Juan faced significant communication challenges that led to behavioral difficulties, yet his spirit thrived in community engagement and active living. For Juan and his family, Social Vocational Services (SVS) emerged as the perfect support system. Connecting immediately with his dedicated SVS team, Juan began a remarkable journey of improving his communication skills, which in turn dramatically decreased behavioral episodes at home. Beyond communication, he eagerly embraced work skills, experiencing the pride of earning a paycheck. “Juan works hard and makes mucho money!” he would often exclaim, spending his earnings on albums by his beloved band, The Eagles. With the support of his SVS staff and newfound friends, Juan confidently navigated public transportation and explored his local community, blossoming in ways his family had only hoped for.
After a fulfilling chapter with SVS, Juan “retired” in 2000, relocating to sunny Miami with his parents where he enjoyed travel, family visits, and relaxation. However, California called him back in 2019, and by 2020, Juan was overjoyed to rejoin SVS at the Long Beach Inclusion Center. Here, he continues to thrive and live his best life, a testament to the enduring impact of social vocational services.
Juan’s positive experience with social vocational services had a profound ripple effect, inspiring his sibling, Angie, to pursue a fulfilling career path. Witnessing firsthand the incredible progress Juan made thanks to SVS ignited a passion in Angie to contribute to an organization that makes such a meaningful difference in people’s lives. In 1981, Angie joined the SVS family and has since dedicated 40 years to the agency, celebrating this milestone in June 2021. Her long tenure is a testament to the innovative, trend-setting, and unwavering commitment of SVS to every individual they serve, every “Juan” out there seeking to live a full and engaged life through social vocational services.
