A Univision family show, Viva La Familia, recently filmed a tv program at the Miami Job Corps Center.  The show has a “fairy godmother” segment that makes dreams come true for needy families and people that give a lot to their community.  The idea for the project was to share the story of Michael Torres, a young man who had dropped out of High School to help care for his younger brother who has Autism.  Michael is now back on track with his life goals through the help of the Miami Job Corps Center(MJCC).  A Residential student at MJCC, Michael is pursuing his High School Diploma through SIA Tech Charter School and is also enrolled as a student in the Office Administration trade.

 The show was brought to life by opening a window into Michael’s family life; where footage was taken at his home with his mother and brother.  In the home interviews, Michael’s mother had shared some of the struggles they had faced, and how Michael was always doing his best to help. The next part of the project lead to the second phase of the tv program, which involved Michael giving a filmed tour of the campus, such as where he lives, attends school and finds recreation.  The first stop was Michael leading the cameras through the center Dormitory Buildings, highlighting the Residential Life benefits of Job Corps. The next scene led to filming inside SIA Tech’s Science Classroom, where Instructor Joumelide Pierre has Michael as a student.

 Finally, a suspense element was uniquely orchestrated into this project at the end of the tour.  Here a special group of Michael’s classmates, friends, staff, family members, alongside famous Celebrity Karen Martinez (Co-host of Viva La Familia), waited as Michael opened the door to the REC Center; and yelled “Surprise!” Michael was indeed surprised, and he walked over to his mother and little brother.  Michael’s mother had tears of joy in her eyes, and celebrity Karen Martinez gave the family a hug.  With the camera still rolling, Michael shared how much he appreciated everyone being there, and how special it was to meet Karen in person-since he watches the show on weekends with his family.  Karen read a letter to Michael, and she presented him with presents to celebrate his success with Job Corps and also for helping his family through difficult times.  The first present was a $500.00 gift card to the family from WalMart. The second gift was a ACER Laptop Computer Notebook for Michael, courtesy of Viva La Familia. Then the camera turned to Michael’s mom, who gave an emotional thank-you to the show for making this dream a reality. The taping of this scene ended with the group cheering “Viva La Familia” & Michael in the spotlight!   The show will air in mid-November 2011 on national television.

By Lori  M. Trujillo