by Web Admin | Jul 19, 2021 | News & Updates
SER NATIONAL URGES AID TO CUBANS AS AMERICA’S NEIGHBORS IN CRISIS
Nation’s Service-Employment-Redevelopment Network Says Women, Children and Seniors are Suffering and Need Relief Now
Irving, TX – Ignacio Salazar, President and CEO of SER NATIONAL, today issued the following statement as reports continue to arrive in the United States about the humanitarian crisis in Cuba taking a devastating toll on its population that is now pleading for the world’s help.
“Our hearts break as we learn of the terrible human suffering by the Cuban people who are bravely fighting against humankind’s common foe, the COVID-19 virus. The eyewitness accounts trickling out reveal an incredibly sad and tragic situation among the island’s poorest and most vulnerable, for whom every breath is a struggle to survive. As neighbors, we cannot remain silent and our humanity cries out to join the people of Cuba in their darkest moment of pain, loss, and need for assistance.
The latest information confirms that COVID-19 cases are soaring to an average of 6,374 a day and the Cuban people are in dire need of medical supplies to care for those persons afflicted. Also, we are seeing images from CUBA reminiscent of the massive lockdowns once experienced in the United States during the worst of the pandemic. These scenes reveal unimaginable economic devastation on the island as people are unable to work and provide for their loved ones.
One positive development is that restrictions have been lifted on critical essential items being brought in by travelers including medicine, hygiene products, and food. It is our sincere hope and desire that humanitarian actions can be expanded to facilitate an even greater flow of assistance by individuals and faith-based organizations willing to help.
We share the cry for vital aid on behalf of those whose voices are too young, too old, or too infirm to do so themselves. For every baby wailing in distress from the pangs of hunger, we cry out. For every Abuelo y Abuelita sighing in sorrow, we cry out, and for the usually joyful Cuban people, whose laughter has been replaced by profound sadness, we cry out. As neighbors all, it is the solemn and sacred duty of each of us to help el gran pueblo de Cuba!”
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About SER Jobs for Progress National, Inc. – “Cultivating America’s Greatest Resource: People”
The SER Network of Affiliates serves over 1,000,000 people annually. SER is located throughout the country, in more than 24 states and 200 locations. The SER Network provides a variety of comprehensive programs including housing, youth services, GED classes, English language acquisition, early childhood education, older Americans training, women entrepreneurship, Science-Technology-Engineering-Math (STEM), assistance for military Veterans, operations of workforce centers nationally, plus assisting and placing thousands of qualified men and women in unsubsidized employment.
by Web Admin | Jul 4, 2021 | News & Updates
Nation’s Service-Employment-Redevelopment Network Says America’s Birthday Affirms Its Enduring Victory as the Nation of Opportunity
Irving, TX – The time of birth is a very special experience, whether a child, an idea or a new undertaking in our lives. The moment marks a start to something new with a world of possibilities, opportunities and discoveries. This is precisely what happened on July 4th, 1776. The Continental Congress passed the Declaration of Independence and from the 13-colonies, the United States was born.
“America has come a long way in the 245 years since its founding,” says Ignacio Salazar, President and CEO of SER NATIONAL. He continues, “Our nation has endured more than two and half centuries based upon ideals that have withstood the winds of global change and the tides of shifting political forces. It is because the cornerstone of our foundation as a Republic is a democratic guarantee. That is, our form of government has unwavering guiding principles enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.
At SER NATIONAL, our family of Network Affiliates has flourished around the guiding precepts of creating new opportunities for the more than 1-million people we serve every year. Together, we are forging pathways to personal triumph. For more than five decades, we have enjoyed victory with them by sharing knowledge, providing training for self-sufficiency endeavors and delivering other vital social services. As importantly, we have done so in mutual respect for the inherent value of each human being. We have dedicated ourselves to the mission of meeting that need and with God’s help, will continue to do so for generations to come.
Yes, our country’s greatest triumph is its freedom. That is, the unalienable right that we are each guaranteed to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. This opportunity, like a bright beacon in the darkest of nights, must be allowed to continue to shine for those in despair who come to our shores and borders. Also, let us remember the indigenous peoples of this great land, and honor their rightful interests. Indeed, the pledge to all in America must endure, including a quality public education, choice of religious faith without constraints, as well as equity and equality irrespective of gender. These are the simple, yet powerful truths of a great people.
For the celebration on this 4th of July to truly be an affirmation of a collective nation, out of the many, we must be one in action, as entrusted by the words of our founders. On this Independence Day as we gather with family and friends, take a moment in rejoicing for our great land and shout, Happy July 4th and May God Bless America!”
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About SER Jobs for Progress National, Inc. – “Cultivating America’s Greatest Resource: People”
The SER Network of Affiliates serves over 1,000,000 people annually. SER is located throughout the country, in more than 24 states and 200 locations. The SER Network provides a variety of comprehensive programs including housing, youth services, GED classes, English language acquisition, early childhood education, older Americans training, women entrepreneurship, Science-Technology-Engineering-Math (STEM), assistance for military Veterans, operations of workforce centers nationally, plus assisting and placing thousands of qualified men and women in unsubsidized employment.
by Web Admin | Jul 2, 2021 | News & Updates
Nation’s Service-Employment-Redevelopment Network Pays Respect To Those Lost and Others Still Missing In Condominium Collapse
Irving, TX – Ignacio Salazar, President and CEO of SER NATIONAL, today issued the following statement as the difficult and painstaking process continues in Surfside, Florida at the site of the Champlain Towers South. The building’s collapse last Thursday has so far claimed eleven lives and scores more are still missing.
“Today, on behalf of the entire SER NATIONAL family, I wish to express our most sincere and deepest condolences over the terrible loss that has befallen the families and individuals whose loved ones, friends and acquaintances have been taken in this unimaginable tragedy. Words alone seem inadequate at such a time of the most profound pain any human being can endure. So in silence and reflection, we each pause to pray that God’s merciful strength can help those affected, that they may be sustained. It is our hope that they know and can sense, America is standing with them through each difficult hour and our entire nation bows its head in sorrow for the innocents claimed; each mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter. They are now our family as well and we are with you.
Also, we are grateful to the good Samaritans and first responders who quickly answered when the building collapsed and they came to the aid of the victims from the very first moments in the pre-dawn darkness last Thursday. They climbed into the rubble without regard for their own safety to help those trapped, and began digging with their bare hands. Indeed, there is no greater love than that shown by strangers willing to risk their lives to help save others. Since then, the outpouring of help from countless volunteers and community organizations has been heartwarming and a testament to the truth that in tragedy, people across this country and Puerto Rico come together as one to help each other.
There will be time in the days to come to answer many important and pressing questions to shed light on the factors that may have contributed to this collapse. For now, may we as a country allow for the focus to continue on the work at hand and respect the grieving that must be allowed its space and privacy for those directly affected. SER NATIONAL and its Network of Affiliates shall continue to strive to be a resource in our communities while monitoring further developments in Surfside, Florida.”
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About SER Jobs for Progress National, Inc. – “Cultivating America’s Greatest Resource: People”
The SER Network of Affiliates serves over 1,000,000 people annually. SER is located throughout the country, in more than 24 states and 200 locations. The SER Network provides a variety of comprehensive programs including housing, youth services, GED classes, English language acquisition, early childhood education, older Americans training, women entrepreneurship, Science-Technology-Engineering-Math (STEM), assistance for military Veterans, operations of workforce centers nationally, plus assisting and placing thousands of qualified men and women in unsubsidized employment.
by Web Admin | Jun 18, 2021 | News & Updates
SER NATIONAL SALUTES JUNETEENTH: CELEBRATING FREEDOM’S JOY!
Nation’s Service-Employment-Redevelopment Network Says Education, Training and Opportunity Is Vital to Ensure Freedom’s Full Promise
Irving, TX – Ignacio Salazar, President and CEO of SER NATIONAL, today issued the following statement in observance of Juneteenth, 2021, the annual event on June 19th which was created to mark the end of slavery in the United States. This is the inaugural celebration of this historic date as an official federal holiday as designated this week by President Biden.
“I am proud on behalf of SER NATIONAL, its Network of Affiliates and board of directors, our entire staff and the more than one-million people we serve every year, to rejoice with all Americans on this important date in our nation’s history. It was June 19, 1865 when union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed black people who were still being kept as slaves, they were free. President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation two-and-a-half years earlier. Yet, the quarter of a million slaves had to wait until the Confederacy surrendered and it took even longer for some slave owners to let them go.
The shackles of captivity were not loosened easily. Neither were the attitudes that had marked the slave-owning South. Slaves were not even allowed to learn how to read or write. Just imagine what they must have felt upon hearing they were finally free! We can only believe there was celebration, but also fear and uncertainty about what lay ahead in their new world as emancipated men, women and children. Indeed, it would be another 100-years before the civil rights movement truly began to deliver on freedom’s promise.
Today, SER NATIONAL joins with our black brothers and sisters across this great land in proclaiming, let freedom ring! May there be true freedom for communities of color through education, training and opportunity to learn a trade, enter a profession or start a business. Let there be true freedom with full acceptance of everyone in our society and encouraging self-esteem and confidence as people acquire the skills to compete and achieve. Yes, let us champion true freedom, without the shackles of the mind, spirit and soul. May this be the America we continue to strive for on this Juneteenth!”
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About SER Jobs for Progress National, Inc. – “Cultivating America’s Greatest Resource: People”
The SER Network of Affiliates serves over 1,000,000 people annually. SER is located throughout the country, in more than 24 states and 200 locations. The SER Network provides a variety of comprehensive programs including housing, youth services, GED classes, English language acquisition, early childhood education, older Americans training, women entrepreneurship, Science-Technology-Engineering-Math (STEM), assistance for military Veterans, operations of workforce centers nationally, plus assisting and placing thousands of qualified men and women in unsubsidized employment.
by Web Admin | May 30, 2021 | News & Updates
During this long weekend, and especially on Monday, May 31, this great Nation celebrates and honors the HEROES that made the sacrifice for all of us. Among those HEROES are thousands of Hispanics and other servicemen and women of color who gave us the freedom we enjoy. While you enjoy your time this weekend with family and friends, think and pray for those that gave their service.
by Web Admin | May 21, 2021 | News & Updates
It is with extreme sadness that we inform you of the passing of our dear friend Monica L. Martinez. Monica was the Senior Vice President of National Community Affairs for Comerica Bank. Prior to this role, she served as the Senior Vice President of Business Affairs and Corporate Contributions. She joined the bank in 2006 and had several other positions during her tenure, including National Hispanic Business Developer. In addition to her work with Comerica Bank, she worked for Ford Motor Company, where she served as Grassroots and Political Communications Manager, holding various positions on the corporate staff during her 10-year tenure.
She was active on many boards, including SER Jobs for Progress National, where she served as Vice-Chair and the Michigan Hispanic Chamber. Her efforts in the community were recognized through her being named one of the Top 10 Latina Women of Influence, One of the 100 most influential Hispanics in the U.S., among many others. She received the Enterprising Spirit Award from Wayne State University for her exceptional contributions to mentoring students; The Fusion Horizon Award from the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals program, Executive of the year by the National Society of Hispanic MBA’s, the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan.
We will miss her passion and commitment to make the world a better place for everyone as well as her spirit and drive to excel in all aspects of life. She possessed a radiant smile, was elegant and graceful and left a positive impression on everyone.
We will share information regarding funeral services when it becomes available.
SER Jobs for Progress National, Inc.
