Success Stories / Testimonials

Meet the people who developed new skills, overcame employment barriers, and created new opportunities through Urban WorkForce Advantage.

Marivel Munoz with her CPRS instructor Sabrina at the Ecosystems Conference

Pathways to Recovery - Opioid Grant

Marivel Munoz

From Recovery to Community Advocate

After reaching a decade in recovery, Marivel Munoz began using her lived experience to support others. Her internship at Recovery Junction Recovery Center has immersed her in outreach, harm reduction, and community advocacy.

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Phillip Mastrotto holding a CCAR Recovery Coach Academy guide

Pathways to Recovery - Opioid Grant

Phillip Mastrotto

Building Connections Through Recovery Support

Phillip Mastrotto found personal growth and genuine connection in the January 2025 CPRS class. His internship at Recovery Junction with Prevention Links is now helping him turn that experience into meaningful community service.

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Monica Garcia wearing CNA scrubs at Optima Castle Hill

Pathways to Recovery - Opioid Grant

Monica Garcia

A Future Rooted in Service and Purpose

After coming to the United States from Venezuela, Monica Garcia turned her love of helping others into a healthcare career. Through Pathways to Recovery, she completed CNA training and began working at Optima Castle Hill in Union City.

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Yamirli Lojano Cruz wearing CNA scrubs

Pathways to Recovery - Opioid Grant

Yamirli Lojano Cruz

A New Path in American Healthcare

After moving from Ecuador to the United States, physician Yamirli Lojano Cruz worked to rebuild her healthcare career. With support from Pathways to Recovery, she earned CNA certification and began working at Hudson View Rehab Center.

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Yenireli Perez de la Torre wearing nursing scrubs and a protective mask

Pathways to Recovery - Opioid Grant

Yenireli Perez de la Torre

Resilience and a New Beginning

After leaving Cuba, physician Yenireli Perez de la Torre faced the challenge of rebuilding her life and healthcare career. With a customized employment plan and CNA training, she began a new chapter at Hudson View Rehab Center.

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Basim Terry standing beside his vehicle

Pathways to Recovery

Basim Terry

Turning Determination Into Stability

As a single father living in a shelter, Basim Terry committed himself to growth, accountability, and a better future for his daughter. Today, he is employed full-time, has his own vehicle, and continues to inspire the Urban WorkForce Advantage community.

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Carina Normil holding her CNA training certificate at Urban WorkForce Advantage

Pathways to Recovery

Carina Normil

From One Email to a Healthcare Career

An email from the New Jersey Department of Labor connected Carina Normil with tuition-free CNA training through Pathways to Recovery. By spring 2026, she had secured full-time healthcare employment and financial independence.

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Crystal Beverly working in customer service at Home Depot

Pathways to Recovery

Crystal Beverly

Turning Compassion Into Purpose

Crystal Beverly brought positivity and determination to CWEP and Pathways to Recovery. Through Job Readiness training, she strengthened her confidence, defined her purpose, and secured employment at Home Depot in Roselle.

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Daniel de Jesus Baez

Pathways to Recovery

Daniel de Jesus Baez

Hudson County

Daniel D' Jesus, a young man from Cuba, embarked on a challenging journey to the United States in search of a better life. He crossed borders with hope and determination in his heart.

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Diana Murcia

Pathways to Recovery

Diana Murcia

Diana Murcia, a determined Colombian immigrant, arrived in the United States with a dream and a heart full of hope. Despite the language barrier, she remained resolute in pursuing a better life for herself and her family.

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