Facebook Hires Another JobTrain Graduate!

The BEST way to start the week is with a JobTrain bell ringing ceremony! 

Today, April 1, 2013, TAMMY OUTLAND returned to JobTrain with her precious daughter and proudly rang the Sharon Williams Legacy Bell, signifying that she's back in the workforce! Be sure to watch the exciting and inspirational bell ringing ceremony HERE

Tammy was hired through Flagship to work at Facebook as a bread maker. Tammy works 10PM to 6:30AM and absolutely LOVES her new job! 

According to Culinary Arts instructor Chef Adam Weiner, "I think she's brilliant and wonderful. Tammy's always smiling and very cheerful. It was just great having her in class! She was absolutely always a fabulous student!"

"I feel so excited about my future now and it's all because of everyone here. 

Thank you, JobTrain." -Tammy Outland

A Page Full of Memories: JobTrain's Unbelievable Day at Facebook!

Fifteen lucky JobTrain students, staff and alumni awoke this morning with smiles plastered on their faces from yesterday’s unbelievable Facebook experience. They received an exclusive tour of the social media giant’s sprawling campus, which now employs more than 4,000 individuals.  

JobTrain "tagged" the wall before flashing the Facebook "LIKE."

Facebook’s Sustainability and Community Outreach Manager Lauren Swezey, and Facilities Administrative Assistant Nikki Zeiter, provided an extraordinary tour that included behind the scenes access to the daily operations occurring at Facebook. JobTrain saw visiting engineers from Europe and Southeast Asia convening at headquarters.  However, the most recognizable and exciting engineer seen was Mark Zuckerberg! He was calm, casual and completely down-to-earth, walking the campus in his signature tee shirt and jeans.

Facebook’s renovation is close to completion according to Lauren Swezey. Their atmosphere is inviting, and has a distinct “Disneyland meets college vibe to it,” said JobTrain graduate Stephanie O’Dowd.  The ironic part is that the perception is based in truth.  Representatives from the "Happiest Place on Earth," came up to Facebook to discuss the street concept, "which is reminiscent of Downtown Disney,” relayed Swezey.

Lauren Swezey stands alongside Sunny Sharma.

Our hospitable Facebook community ambassadors, invited JobTrain to enjoy the same amenities provided to their employees. A trip to their micro kitchen, a stroll down to their cafeteria and a delectable indulgence at their “Sweet Stop,” which featured the most amazingly delicious frozen yogurt, soft serve ice cream and decadent assortment of chocolate treats.   

Further, JobTrain took pride in seeing two recent graduates in action working at Facebook.  Sunreet “Sunny” Sharma, recently received his certification in Culinary Arts, and is now contracted through Flagship and helps prepare some of the approximate 8,000 meals which Facebook provides to their employees daily. Christopher Smith, graduated from Office Skills, also contracted through Flagship, works as a Facebook security officer.

JobTrain PROUDLY dons the signature Facebook attire!

 Unequivocally, Facebook, goes beyond connecting people and transcends towards transforming lives. This is especially evident in the case of contracting work to JobTrain graduates and sponsorship of JobTrain’s special events, which facilitate providing critical vocational training programs at no cost to the community’s most in need.

JobTrain was the first non-profit in Menlo Park that Facebook provided financial support to. Since 2011, the company has remained an extraordinary and dynamic partner. JobTrain is incredibly proud and grateful of our relationship with Facebook.

The Impact of Facebook in Our Community

Facebook + JobTrain + Mouse Squad = Empowering Youth Through Technology

JobTrain staff and students were both present and pleased, when the Menlo Park City Council unanimously approved Facebook's term sheet for expansion of their West Campus on Tuesday, January 22, 2013.

Facebook’s new foundation gave a total of $200,000 to 42 non-profits in Menlo Park and East Palo Alto in early January of this year.  JobTrain received $4,500 to implement Mouse Squad at our facility.  Mouse Squad of California Student Tech Leadership is an innovative youth development organization that empowers students to provide technology leadership and support in their schools and communities.

Mouse Squad provides youth with access to technology-based opportunities intended to motivate students to succeed in today’s information driven society.  It is a perfect contemporary component to JobTrain’s SASSY (School After School for Successful Youth) program. Participants will be eligible to earn up to 12 elective high school credits for the course.  Mouse Squad will launch at JobTrain later in February.

Facebook has been an outstanding neighbor and continuously exemplifies its commitment to rebuilding and strengthening communities. 

Facebook Director of Global Real Estate John Tenanes & JobTrain Stuents

Menlo Park Mayor Peter Ohtaki & JobTrain Students "Like" Facebook  

JobTrain Graduate Fulfills Dream of a Lifetime Thanks to United Airlines

Today is a day that David Ibarra will never forget.  His dream finally came true as he took his adorable 3½ year old son, “Baby David,” to Disney World.  David was announced as the winner of JobTrain’s “Where I Want to Fly and Why” contest at JobTrain’s 28^th annual Breakfast of Champions, presented by Facebook on May 4, 2012.  It was an inspirational celebration of the amazing achievements of JobTrain students.  More than 800 enthusiastic guests filled Santa Clara Convention Center’s Mission Ballroom.

When JobTrain Executive Director Sharon Williams read an excerpt from David’s essay, tears began to flow.  David is a single father raising his son, and both have endured incredible hardship.  David’s dream has been to take his son to Disney World.

Writing about his efforts to help his son in infancy, David said,“ I had to spend hours massaging and molding his head with my hands each day, trying to reshape his little head.”

David’s son was 14 months old before he attempted to crawl, and when he finally spoke his first word at age 2 it was “raton” (Spanish for “mouse”) because he so loved Mickey Mouse.  United Airlines sponsors the annual essay contest.  This year Customer Care Supervisor Kathy Shelley and Customer Service Representative Laurie Scribner served on the essay selection committee at JobTrain.  “David’s story moved us,” said Kathy.  “His life wasn’t easy, but he’s pulled through and wants to make a better life for his son.  His attitude is inspiring.”

On September 11, 2012, David and his son flew to Orlando, Florida, compliments of United Airlines.  They’re currently enjoying lodging accommodations and Disney World park passes through a United Airlines partner, Air Serv Corporation.  Stay tuned for pictures from their exciting adventure! 

From left to right: United Airlines representative Kathy Shelley, JobTrain Graduate David Ibarra along with son & Laurie Scribner.

Who's Got It Better Than JobTrain?

A Happy Friday Indeed –

JobTrain's 28th annual Breakfast of Champions, was a remarkable and well publicized event today.  Over 800 people attended the Breakfast which was presented by Facebook.  The final headcount is being tabulated along with the financial contributions received today.

San Francisco 49ers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh delivered an outstanding speech. His endorsement of JobTrain – as the only cause that he supports –was one of the BEST highlights of today’s program.  WATCH VIDEO

Stay tuned for additional highlights from the 2012 Breakfast of Champions!

JobTrain's Sneak Preview of the NEW Facebook Campus!

Seeing is Believing: Facebook is AWESOME!

JobTrain staff had a MAGNIFICENT time at Facebook’s Sneak Preview event on October 13, 2011.

Dave Ebersman, Facebook CFO delivered a wonderful welcome address to the attendees. Menlo Park Mayor Rich Cline, was particularly proud to welcome Facebook to the community.

“This match is wonderful. For us as a community, I want you to start thinking BIG and broad about what this partnership means. What are the opportunities? This is a unique chance for the ultimate public and private partnership. Very rarely do you get to be around and part of the ‘change agent.’ And this is the ultimate ‘change agent’ for the city and particularly in the Belle Haven community.”

The event was perfectly organized and Facebook definitely showed their support of community and made each and every guest feel part of their family.

The Facebook chefs are brilliant and the food they prepared was quite literally, “out-of-this-world.” Special thanks to the event organizers and to Glenda Heidsick, Facebook’s Global Project Coordinator for the awesome tour of the extraordinary campus!