“If I could rewind the clock, I would love to be a student at Job Corps,” stated Owonda Epiphany, San Diego Goodwill Industries’ Job Developer.  ”The program offers young people a wonderful opportunity to enhance their lives and achieve their ambitions and goals in life and it’s free.”

The father of eight children, Owonda and his family settled in San Diego from Ethiopia in 2007, through the assistance of the U.S. State Department and the African Alliance.  Born and raised in Uganda, the family fled the country in 1985 after the military coup.  “I was concerned for our safety and did not want to live under a military government,” he advised.  He and his family lived in a refugee camp in Ethiopia for 10 years before moving to the nation’s capitol Addis Ababa. Owonda started a school there for young people and worked as a teacher and administrator, while also teaching in college and working as a translator for the United Nations.

“My first job was working at a 7-11 before I was hired by Catholic Charities as an interpreter, case manager, and job developer assisting refugees from all over the world,” he stated.  “Some of the people I helped were young adults over 18 who could not get into the public school, and that is when I learned about the Job Corps program.  It was the perfect fit for many of them as the program enrolls low income students who are 16 to 24 years old.  Before leaving Catholic Charities I probably helped at least 50 young people enter Job Corps.”

After being hired by Goodwill Industries, Owonda maintained his relationship with Job Corps.  “My clients are 18-25 years old and I refer some to Job Corps for training and we have also hired several Job Corps graduates”, Owonda continued. “I am a strong advocate for the program and encourage other employers to hire their students, and many have. I value the good friendships I have with the students and staff, and do all I can to support the program.”

“Owonda has been a great asset to Job Corps for several years, “advised San Diego Job Corps’ Career Transition Services Manager Joe Guiffre.  “We appreciate his enthusiasm and continuous, outstanding efforts to help our students find employment in the community. He continues to touch and improve the lives of so many people both at Job Corps and Goodwill Industries.”