Ever since they were toddlers, Ernesto Castenada and his two brothers have been a part of ROI’s Migrant Head Start Program. ROI staff have watched him mature into an outgoing, eager learner always willing to learn and help others. Ernesto’s father is an active member at the center, serving on our parent board and volunteering in the classroom whenever he can. His mother participates in center activities and enjoys being a part of all the program has to offer. When Ernesto grows up, he wants to be a doctor. We are confident he will reach his goal.

Fanny Rojas, a young mother of three, wanted to create a better life for her family while escaping an environment of domestic violence. Her goals were to enter college, get a job with the state that would afford her opportunities for growth, lose 100 pounds, purchase a car, improve her credit status and enter ROI’s Homebuyer Education Program. Fanny has completed every one of these goals and surpassed several. She has lost 110 pounds, is a corrections officer, purchased a new car, completed ROI’s Self-Sufficiency Program and is wrapping up her college degree. She also completed the homebuyer class and is participating in the Savers Program to assist with down payment costs.

William Fankhauser is a 66-year-“young” individual who has suffered some health issues affecting his ability to stand for long periods of time. He needed to obtain a job where he would be off his feet for the majority of time. Meanwhile, his passion for driving had come to a standstill because of the escalating cost of gasoline. ROI staff found a perfect job for William—transporting people to appointments. William has since obtained an apartment closer to his new job and loves his daily routine of earning a paycheck and being sociable while off his feet.

When Len Hainlen first heard about ROI’s program that provides free technical assistance to growers who need to upgrade farmworker housing, he gave a sigh of relief. Len, a second-generation apple cultivator and orchard owner, had growing concerns about the migrant housing on his orchard. The old cabin-style housing was showing its age, and the Indiana State Board of Health was suggesting Len replace it. Two years later, Len and his migrant workers are celebrating the new housing units that have been constructed using CDBG grant funds awarded from Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority.

Felix Cartagena Bonilla came to the U.S. seeking opportunities to support his family. Earning $6 an hour as a mushroom picker didn’t provide enough. Felix wanted to earn more and contribute to the community, but his lack of English proficiency was a seemingly insurmountable barrier. Working with ROI staff, Felix developed a course of action to prepare himself for employment, including the Training & Employment Program, as well as the Job Readiness Training Program. Displaying the drive, motivation and determination needed for success, Felix found a job with a kitchen and bath company earning $9 an hour plus overtime.