When Nina Krachun arrived in Los Angeles with her husband and two teenage children, she faced the daunting task of starting over. Back in her home country, she had worked as an engineer—a respected profession that gave her purpose and stability. But in the United States, she found herself beginning again from the very first step.
“It was really difficult,” Nina recalls. “We have a different culture, and I had an occupation in my country. I was an engineer. In this country, I needed to start from the beginning.”
Like some newcomers, Nina’s first job in the U.S. was as a caregiver. Despite the challenges, she discovered a deep joy in the work. “I really feel happy when I help people who need it,” she said. “I think I have a mission in this world to help people, especially elderly people.”
Nina learned about JVS SoCal’s HealthWorks program through a flyer at a job fair while she was studying English at the West Occupational Center. When she discovered that the program was free, she applied immediately.
Her journey, however, was not easy. The language barrier made it especially difficult.
“The first day, I told them, ‘I can’t continue,’ because I didn’t understand like 50% of the language,” Nina said. “But they told me, ‘Just try. Try one day, two days, and we will see.’”
With incredible support from the JVS SoCal staff, Nina kept going.
“They spoke with me slowly and clearly,” she adds. “They always asked, ‘Do you understand?’ That was so helpful. I studied a lot and did all I could.”
The clinical portion of the program became her favorite, even though it was intense. “We needed to study a lot, English, medical terms, everything. It was so much,” she said. “But I loved it.”
Thanks to the HealthWorks program and the wraparound support she received, including books and uniforms, Nina successfully completed her training and is now working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
“It’s amazing,” she beams. “This program changed my life and my future.”
Now, Nina has her sights set even higher. She plans to gain experience as a CNA and then pursue further studies to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). “I love to work with people,” she said. “This is just the beginning.”
If you met Nina on the street and told her you didn’t know what to do with your life, she’d have one answer: “This program can give you a chance in this difficult world. It’s free, and it can change your life.”
Nina’s story is a shining example of how JVS SoCal Works programs empowers individuals, including immigrants and refugees, to reclaim their futures, find meaningful careers, and live with purpose and dignity.
If you’re inspired by Nina’s story and would like to help someone else achieve their dream, please donate today.
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