Sometimes, one story can change everything.

For Luis Garcia, manager of Garcia’s Automotive Repair, that moment happened while sitting at Mass.

During the service, Luis watched a video profile created by the Catholic Diocese highlighting the mission of St. Joseph the Worker and the lives being changed through employment. The story moved him enough to take action.

“I just liked the program,” Luis shared. “We’re helping people by giving them the opportunity to find a career, and I like that.”

After seeing the video, Luis reached out to Cassidy Penney at St. Joseph the Worker to learn more about how he could get involved. Cassidy then connected him with the organization’s Workforce Experts — and they immediately had someone in mind for the opportunity.

That someone was Dominic.

Dominic had always been interested in mechanic work. At home, he spent time changing brakes and switching tires himself, building skills through curiosity and hands-on experience. What he needed was an opportunity to prove himself professionally.

Like many job seekers, Dominic worried his lack of experience would hold him back.

“I honestly didn’t think they were going to call or reach out,” Dominic said. “I thought they were probably looking for people that really knew what they were doing.”

But through St. Joseph the Worker, Dominic was connected directly with Garcia’s Automotive Repair — and quickly found himself stepping into the career opportunity he had hoped for.

“He reached out to me, and I reached out back,” Dominic shared. “We met up the next week, and it was pretty quick and easy.”

What began as a simple connection soon became something much bigger.

Luis immediately noticed Dominic’s eagerness to learn and the pride he brought into the workplace.

“If you’ve noticed, nobody here has uniforms,” Luis laughed. “And Dominic actually went out of the way to get himself a Dominic shirt.”

To Luis, that small gesture represented initiative, professionalism, and excitement for the opportunity in front of him.

“It’s nice to see somebody put the uniform on themselves,” he said.

Today, Dominic continues building confidence and gaining hands-on experience every day in the shop.

“I’ve actually learned a whole bunch since I came here,” Dominic shared. “They always call me over, so I’m not just doing nothing. I’m still learning and putting hands on at the same time.”

Recently, Dominic helped work on an engine repair alongside the team — an experience that reinforced just how far he has already come.

“It was pretty cool,” he said. “I’m actually very grateful for this opportunity. It’s a big opportunity for me.”

To celebrate Dominic stepping into a career he truly wanted, Cassidy also gifted him an unused tool chest — a meaningful symbol of encouragement as he begins building his future in the automotive field.

Stories like Dominic’s happen because of a community willing to believe in people.

A video at Mass inspired one business owner to take action.
One conversation created a new partnership.
And one opportunity helped launch a young man into a career path filled with possibility.

Because of supporters like you, St. Joseph the Worker can continue connecting motivated job seekers with employers ready to invest in potential, growth, and second chances.

One opportunity can change everything.