Israel first learned about CCM’s LEAP Internship Program through his mom, who told him that her coworker Eric, the Lead Case Manager, could use some extra help and that Jameese would be glad to have him assist. What began as a summer opportunity soon grew into an experience that shaped his future.
He joined LEAP with clear goals: to earn money during his break, support his mom, cover his own needs, and gain valuable work experience. He also wanted to better understand the nonprofit field and see firsthand how organizations like CCM operate. This came at a turning point in his life—he had just transferred to a new high school and was adjusting to living with his mom again after she returned home from serving six years in prison. “It was a big transition in my life, but it gave me the chance to start fresh, focus on my goals, and build a stronger relationship with her,” Israel reflects.
Through LEAP — Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, Possibilities — Israel gained hands-on experience across multiple departments. Over three years, he supported Finance, Case Management, Human Resources, Administration, and Operations. He remembers some of his favorite projects: helping Jameese and Yvonne with payroll, preparing quarterly reports for ARG, and completing EDD reports. He also provided behind-the-scenes support for CCM’s HIRE Program, a 12-week job readiness training program that helps participants build career skills and secure employment. Although not a participant himself, Israel’s contributions helped HIRE continue serving dozens of individuals each year.
Along the way, Israel grew in confidence. “One challenge I faced was stepping out of my comfort zone to ask staff members in corporate if they needed help. Over time, I grew more confident in approaching people and offering my support, which taught me the importance of initiative.” That initiative, combined with the variety of responsibilities he took on, gave him a strong foundation in business administration and teamwork. “My internship was an incredible opportunity that taught me lessons beyond the classroom and connected me with mentors who truly inspired me.”
Those mentors—especially Jameese, Anna, Chandra, Latanya, and Bree—left a lasting impact. Anna became his go-to person and role model for resilience and hard work, while Jameese gave him the opportunity to start as a LEAP intern. Chandra and Latanya guided him through learning to create invoices, and Bree brought positivity and encouragement during their first summer working together. Their support reminded him of the importance of building relationships, something he now sees as essential for his future.
Today, Israel is studying Computer Information Systems at Cal Poly Pomona. He hopes to pursue a career in business technology, using the skills he developed at CCM—organization, administration, and teamwork—to help organizations grow. He says his time at CCM gave him invaluable insight into how nonprofits and businesses function, knowledge he knows will serve him well in college and beyond.
Asked what advice he would give to future interns, Israel doesn’t hesitate: “Take full advantage of every opportunity to help across departments. You’ll learn things through this internship that could take years to understand in a typical workplace.”
Even as he moves forward, Israel remains grateful for the encouragement, guidance, and resources CCM provided. His journey shows how programs like LEAP and HIRE not only prepare young people for their futures but also strengthen families and create brighter possibilities for the communities CCM serves.