When Marcel* arrived in the U.S. in 2024 from a refugee camp in Burundi, he came with one goal: build a better life for his family. With his wife and infant by his side, he was determined, but the path forward wasn’t easy.
With limited English and little-to-no familiarity with the job market, even basic needs like transportation were a challenge. Marcel found a job, but the commute was grueling.
“It would take me three hours to get there and three hours to get back,” he said. “I would walk in the rain and the snow to get to the bus stop.”
Still, he kept going, working long hours, taking English classes, and continuing her search for employment closer to home. At one point, the stress and danger of his commute nearly pushed him to give up.
“I thought I might die. I was ready to go back to Africa,” Marcel said. “But when I discovered PA Women Work and met Kristen, everything got better.”
Through a connection at his church, Marcel was introduced to PA Women Work and connected with Senior RISE Program Manager, Kristen Tsapis. Within three months, he secured a housekeeping job at a nearby hospital. While there, he discovered an interest in healthcare and landed a new role as a Patient Technician.
As his situation improved, so did life for his family. They moved to an apartment closer to transportation, saved money, and were able to purchase a car. With support from PA Women Work, Marcel received a scholarship to take a driving class and earned his driver’s license.
Today, Marcel is taking college classes and working toward a career in nursing. Looking back, Marcel credits PA Women Work with changing his life.
“I just want to say thank you,” he said. “PA Women Work, you are saving lives.”
*The participant’s name was changed to protect their privacy.
Thank you to the following funders for making RISE success stories like this possible: Jefferson Regional Foundation, PNC Foundation, Marinus & Minna B. Koster Foundation, Howard & Nell E. Miller Foundation, FedEx Cares, and The Jack Buncher Foundation