San Diego Job Corps’ Carpentry and Medical Office Support students assisted at the May 18th, 2012 Mayoral Candidate Forum at the Logan Heights Family Health Center in San Diego.

“We’ve been assisting Family Health Centers of San Diego for the past five years at their Spirit of the Barrio luncheons,” advised San Diego Job Corps Carpentry instructor Ed Miles.  During this period, he and fellow Carpentry instructor Wally Husted estimated that over 400 of their students have worked two days at each event, setting up and taking down canopies, tables, chairs, along with setting up the stage and sound system.  “It’s a good opportunity for our students to work  together as a team and showcase their leadership abilities, while giving back to the community, “he continued.  “Some of our students are from the neighborhood and benefit from the services provided by the program.”

Family Health Centers of San Diego was founded in 1970, and is a private, non-profit community health center organization.  It provides comprehensive, accessible, quality healthcare services to San Diego communities by offering affordable services to all income levels, with a special commitment to low income, uninsured, and medically underserved individuals.  For more than 25 years the Spirit of the Barrio luncheons have raised critical support for Family Health Centers’ programs and services.  More than 500 supporters attend each fundraising event to enjoy their famous tamale lunch, and gather for networking, education, entertainment and community building.  Family Health Centers has expressed their appreciation for Job Corps’ on-going help at the event.

During the past two years, Job Corps’ Hotel and Lodging students and Medical Office Support students have also assisted at the event.  “Our students have been inspired by the luncheon speaker, and by the employees at Family Health Centers where our students intern,” stated Medical Office Support instructor Camille Jackson.  “It’s been a valuable learning experience for our students, especially today hearing the candidates for San Diego mayor speak at the luncheon.”

At the conclusion of the Mayoral Forum, Congressman Bob Filner, a candidate for mayor, personally thanked the Job Corps students and staff members for their service to the community, and was photographed with them.