Keeping Connected!

A Real Success Story!

Jose Ranchero
1st YearParticipant
of the "Back to Work" Program

Jose Ranchero grew up in a small town outside of San Jose California, he moved to Morgantown back in 2010 to attend college at West Virginia University. However, things took a turn for the worst when his socializing habits lead him to launder money from a local convenience store which he worked at. Jose recounts, “It started out as just a couple dollars here and there, but then when it wasn’t cutting it I started taking merchandise and not counting it in the inventory.”

In December of 2011, Jose was arrested from the apartment he shared with his girlfriend who was now 2 months pregnant with their child. Jose felt at that moment that his life had reached rock bottom. “You see people on the news that have been apprehended, but you never think that is going to be you, though”, Jose says.

Jose was sentenced one year at the Federal Corrections Institute in Morgantown. He started to realize that he needed to take care of his unborn son when he was released. Scared that he may never find work again Jose depicts feeling lost and ashamed. It wasn’t until he came across our program, “Back to Work” that he felt that he may actually have a chance.

Jose joined our six week course and worked on developing a resume and cover letter. He also reflects, “I didn’t think I would ever find my calling, but Dr. Reibold inspired me to look into graphic design classes at the prison because he thought I had real talent with creating visually appealing documents.” Jose was motivated and went on to do just that.

Jose and his son sharing a special day out at the park

When he was released from prison in December 2012 he reunited with his soon to be wife and son Jose Jr. He was accepted in August 2012 to ITT Tech for an education in graphic design. He now works full time at Zoltun Design and lives the better life he’s always dreamed of. He says that he couldn’t have done it without the help and motivation of English 304’s Community Education, Dr. Reibold, or English 304 Men’s Ware for donating him professional business attire.

To read more success stories like this one stay posted to the Keeping Connected tab of our blog.

Story By: Andrea Sesack