Congreso’s CDL Trucking Program Reaches New Heights ✨

Congreso has been operating the CDL-A “Careers in Trucking” Program since 2004. While we’ve seen many success stories since, enrollment and program completion rates have never been higher!

  • 70 clients have enrolled between October 5, 2020 and June 7, 2021 

  • Of those 70, 61 clients have obtained their Class A drivers license  

  • So far, 39 graduates are already working as professional tractor trailer drivers 

This month, we’d like to highlight Carlos and his amazing journey! Carlos became jobless in 2020, but was committed to achieving his childhood dream and forging ahead. 

Carlos was working as a customer service representative in a pharmaceutical call center that was forced to cease operations. As a result, Carlos found himself jobless and without any employment prospects that would allow him to earn enough to provide for his family. He ended up returning to his first job at a pizza shop where he was a manager working longer hours and making less pay, but Carlos was determined to find a better solution.  

Carlos decided to revisit his childhood dream of becoming a tractor-trailer driver. After visiting several trucking schools in the surrounding counties in Pennsylvania, Carlos was met with high tuition prices that were out of his reach. In search of more affordable options, Carlos registered with the Philadelphia CareerLink system. Through CareerLink, Carlos was connected to Congreso's CDL-A program in February 2021. Determined to make his dream a reality, Carlos reached out to Congreso weekly to ensure the team got to know him and that his name was on the waiting list. Congreso enrolled Carlos in the program on April 5, 2021.  

 

We are so happy to share that Carlos successfully graduated with his CDL-A and Hazmat endorsement on May 11, 2021 and accepted a job offer to serve as a Driver apprentice making $27.63 per hour for Fedex Freight, Congreso's employment partner. Carlos is on track to be promoted as a City-Driver in October at a pay rate of $31.63, enough to comfortably provide for himself and his family. 

 

Congreso Presente at the 2021 UnidosUS Annual Conference 

Congreso Receives UnidosUS Regional Affiliate Award 

Congreso is proud to share we have been awarded the 2021  UnidosUS Northeast Affiliate of the Year! Thank you, UnidosUS, for recognizing our commitment to the Latino community and for the ongoing support.  

We’d also like to congratulate the National Affiliate of the Year as well as the other regional affiliate awardees! 

To see the complete list of winners and memorable quotes from the conference, visit the UnidosUS twitter page below.

Carolina DiGiorgio Participates in Latinos and Homeownership Panel 

Congreso President and CEO Carolina DiGiorgio also served as a guest speaker on the UnidosUS Latinos and Homeownership panel. Joining local partner organizations Ceiba and APM, the panelists shared their recent achievements in the housing sector in Philadelphia, discussed the development of the Latinx Equitable Development Collective, and what homeownership means to Latino families. 

“In terms of homeownership, it is the American dream. When you think about homeownership, that equity that you are achieving every time you pay that mortgage is something you can leverage for future generations,” shared Carolina. 

Gracias, UnidosUS, for inviting us to highlight our collective work in Philadelphia! 

UnidosUS hosted their 2021 Annual Conference on July 26-27, one of the largest gatherings of Latinos and allies to social change and moving the country forward. Learn more about the organization below.

 

Congreso at Presidential Speech on Voting Rights  

On July 13th, President Joe Biden delivered a speech on voting rights at the National Constitutional Center in Philadelphia and Congreso was honored to be presente alongside many public officials and community leaders. 

The focus of the speech was on the importance of protecting Americans’ right to vote, alongside participation in the democratic process, as states in recent weeks have introduced voting bills which create barriers for communities of color.  

“Congreso has been and continues to be involved in many civic engagement efforts, specifically around voting and elections,” shared Julia Rivera, Congreso’s VP of External Affairs and Strategic initiatives. “Voting is a fundamental right protected by the Constitution and we encourage our community members to exercise their right and participate in the democratic process.” 

 

President & CEO Carolina DiGiorgio Leading in the Community 

We’re excited to share that Congreso President and CEO Carolina DiGiorgio has been appointed to two new boards in Philadelphia: Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity and the Independence Blue Cross Foundation! Read her reactions to joining these organizations and boards below. 

Comcast: Internet Adoption Barriers Panel 

On July 14th, DiGiorgio also participated in a Comcast panel centered on Internet Adoption Barriers in Philadelphia. 

“Hispanic populations have some of the lowest rates of digital adoption – but not because they don’t want an internet connection and the economic and personal advantages that come with it. In order to reach our Latino neighbors on this issue, it’s going to take a great deal of trust-building, transparency and listening,” shared Carolina. 

Gracias, Comcast, for having us and for working to help Latino communities get – and stay – connected! 

 

New Leaders Join the Congreso Familia 

Congreso would like to officially welcome two new members to our leadership! Please give them a warm welcome! 

 

In-Person Services Return at Congreso’s Education and Training Center 

Our Education and Training Center located at 2800 N. American Street is now open for in-person services! Check out some of our programs below: 

E3 powered by Congreso offers Education, Employment, and Empowerment services to 17- 24 year olds.

myPLACE @ Congreso 

offers a variety of free education classes to anyone 16 years and older.

Harcum College @ Congreso offers students a fully accredited Associates degree in Human Services, Early Childhood Education, Law & Justice, and Behavioral Health Science. 

 
 
 

Take our 5 minute COVID-19 Vaccine survey and enter our $50 monthly raffle! 

Congreso familia, we want to hear your thoughts on the COVID-19 vaccine regardless of your vaccination status! Complete the 5 minute survey below to enter our $50 monthly raffle and help inform and improve the vaccine outreach in our community. All responses are confidential. Questions? Email info@congreso.net.

 

📰 Congreso in the News  

 
 

About Us

Congreso de Latinos Unidos, Inc. is a nonprofit organization founded in 1977 with a mission to enable individuals and families in predominantly Latino neighborhoods to achieve economic self-sufficiency and well-being. To learn more about our programs, check out our impact, or read about our leadership and advisory councils, click below!

Congreso relies on the support of generous individuals, foundations and corporate partners who support our mission. Your contribution helps us continue to provide innovative programming while growing our influence as an outcomes measurement thought leader.

Stay Connected!

216 W. Somerset St. | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19133
215-763-8870 | info@congreso.net

Unsubscribe or Manage Your Preferences