Tom Trevino joined the Church in March 2007, giving up a life of drugs and alcohol. But now he was homeless, living in a garage and having difficulty keeping a job. His bishop recommended that he enroll in the training program at the Sacramento Deseret Industries. After several months of working with his job coach trainer, Brother Trevino proved himself to be a reliable and steady worker.

In January 2008, he began a certification training program to become a drug and alcohol counselor. Through a Deseret Industries business partnership, he was given the opportunity to work at a drug and alcohol treatment center. This experience helped him learn how to do screenings, orientations, intakes and assessments. He also facilitated and managed groups, engaging his groups with innovative and interactive discussion topics. In addition, Brother Trevino did individual counseling and assisted the center's clinical supervisor. His own supervisor was very complimentary of him and reported that he demonstrated professionalism and competency in working with substance abuse clients. The center wanted to keep him on staff but did not have funds to support another full-time position.

And so Brother Trevino returned to Deseret Industries and continued to work on his certification to become a drug and alcohol counselor. In June 2009 he completed the requirements, took the state test and became a registered addiction specialist. He was ready to find a job. He participated in the career workshop at the employment center for the second time. With the help of his job coach trainer he put together a packet, which included his resume, cover letter, and letters of recommendation. He learned how to do cold contacts and went to several places to hand out packets.

As a result of his hard work and perseverance, it wasn't long before Brother Trevino was offered two full-time jobs with benefits. He accepted a position with the Mexican American Alcoholism Program. He now facilitates Spanish-speaking groups and groups mandated by courts.

Brother Trevino's life has transformed. He now lives in an apartment, is self-reliant and meets his financial needs. He is involved in his ward, currently serving as the single-adult representative.

He said that through his training at Deseret Industries, he has learned patience and to stop and think before making decisions. He feels that the business partnership was an invaluable experience in helping him get this job and have the training and experience to be successful in it.

"Before I came to Deseret Industries, I was lost," he said. "I wanted honest work. Deseret Industries changed my life." — Christene Bown, Welfare Services