Mariluz Bracero

“I put my son and myself in this position, I plan on getting a job and getting off the system.” 

This was the response given by Mariluz Bracero, 25, when she was asked if she was satisfied with her current housing situation upon enrolling in the Philabundance Community Kitchen (PCK).   At the time, she was living in the shelter in which PCK is housed for four months and was receiving public assistance for approximately 1 month.  “I have a positive outlook on the future,” she added.

Mariluz’s previous work experience was in various customer service, clerical, and medical assistance positions, where her earning potential was low compared to the possibilities for her in the food service industry.  She was looking for a career change that would result in a better lifestyle for her and her 2-year-old son. 

She possessed a thirst for learning that was evident throughout her PCK training.  Mariluz was receptive to instruction, and eager to learn about the kitchen, safe food handling, job readiness and life skills.  She was hard working, and her dedication earned her the honor of class valedictorian.  However, despite her best efforts, Mariluz did not pass the ServSafe exam with her class.  While disappointed, she did not let this obstacle prevent her from attaining her goals.

Mariluz interned at Mercy Hospital in Philadelphia, under the supervision of Chef Robert Ruffin.  She did an outstanding job, and gained respect from her co-workers, while impressing her supervisors.  The hospital did not have a position available at the end of her internship, so Mariluz began a traditional job search.  She used the internet, and went to various places in person for leads. One day while taking her son to daycare, she twisted her ankle and fractured her foot.  In the meantime, Mercy called her and offered her a position. She wasn’t sure if it would be possible, but she went through the process, hoping that Mercy would accommodate her while she was on crutches.  

Unfortunately, Mercy could not hold her position while her foot healed, but they offere her a cashier position until her cast was off.  Once healed, the transition her into the Food Service Worker position they originally offered.  Mariluz was gainfully employed within 6 weeks of her graduation from PCK.  She was hired at a wage that exceeded her most recent job’s hourly wage by $4.00 per hour, with the promise of an increase after a probation period and with a shift differential. She was thrilled, but she knew that there was still more to accomplish.

When the next class took their ServSafe exam, Mariluz was there with them to retake it, before leaving that morning to go to work. Once again, her commitment to a better future was paying off. When the results came in, Mariluz learned that she had become ServSafe certified.

About 4 months after starting work at the hospital, Mariluz moved out of the shelter, and into a 2 year transitional housing program.  She received another pay increase after successfully completing her probation period at Mercy.  Mariluz continues to come back to see the PCK staff and share her progress.  She talks honestly about the conflicts that arise in the work environment, but is able to remain focused on that better future that motivated her from the beginning.  She recently bought a used car with her income tax return, and is preparing for the time when her housing program ends, when she will need to rent or buy her own place.

“I know now that I can be put in difficult situations, and I can handle it.”

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