Stories of LCDI

When we first met Michael, he was living out of his car in the parking lot of the Thousand Oaks Library. He had no way to store food, wash his clothes, or keep any of his devices charged. That changed when he joined the LCDI Program.

At 19 years old, Zabrina was the sole breadwinner for her family covering all rent, utilities, and food while working a minimum wage job. After not being able to afford rent, she was kicked out by her family and was forced to hop from one couch to another.

Beth is 38 years old who currently suffers from mental health issues but prioritizes her career and currently works as a peer counselor. Since she was 19 years old, she has been receiving SSDI due to her disability, however given the number of hours she’s working to make ends meet, she has been kicked off government programs and is on the brink of losing her house.

Vlada is a Ukrainian refugee who fled to the US in the wake of the Russian invasion of 2022. She has a Master's Degree in Special Education and before coming to the US worked in a classroom with kids who had cerebral palsy, autism, and other disabilities. Since coming to the US she has been unable to pursue her passion because she must get two more years of education before she can get a license in occupational therapy.

Dasha is a 19 year old who is currently in school pursuing a degree in finance and entrepreneurship. She fled Kyiv when the rockets started to hit and is now living with two other adults. Prior to coming to the US, Dasha was working as the assistant to a 4-star Military General.

Vlad is a Ukrainian refugee from Kyiv who fled to the US after the Russian-Ukrainian War broke out 2 years ago. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, but currently works as a food delivery driver. He currently lives in a Winnetka apartment with 3 other adults. His dream is to become fully fluent and assimilate as best he can in his new community.

Nicole is a 21 year old asylee from Bogotá, Colombia who earned a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business. She currently lives with her great aunt and works as a housekeeper to support her 5 relatives. She has now earned a work permit in the US and is now looking for employment in her field.

David is a 43 year old from Colombia with a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering, with two specializations in Marketing and Project Management. He previously worked for a nationalized engineering firm and fled to the US due to security concerns for him and his daughter.

A single mom of 3 kids who resides in Oxnard, CA, Karla is currently without work and focusing on establishing her career while supporting her life at home and her mental well-being.