Pascual’s Road from Hardship to Stability

One of the most difficult positions to play in baseball is third base. The hot corner requires great hand-eye coordination, quick thinking, and speed. Pascual had all three and was being scouted by colleges when he was in high school, something every boy dreams of.

“I loved playing ball. Growing up in East L.A. with a single mom was tough though,” Pascual says. “There were a lot of times when I was a kid that we ended up homeless, but we were homeless together. Mom was trying to take care of twelve kids and did the best she could without any help.”

Having only met his biological father twice, it was up to Pascual and his brothers to help their mom pay the bills. So he quit school at 15 and started working to help out, but soon, the teen began to abuse substances – this would become a lifelong struggle. Pascual started to get in trouble; he cycled through juvenile detention, jail, and multiple bids in prison. Years went by with nothing but the same results in his life, but Pascual always knew that he was destined for more. More than just a number on a sheet of paper. More than his addictions.

It wasn’t until 2022 that the opportunity came for Pascual to really change his life. After serving several months in county jail for a parole violation, he moved to San Bernardino to attend drug court and live in a supervised halfway house.

“For the first time in my life, I really listened to the counselors and was searching for a cure,” Pascual says. “I’ve been using substances for years, but I decided then that I would stop for good.”

Pascual says the first three months involved intense drug treatment, and he learned a lot about himself by facing problems, like wanting to get sober and not following through. After three months he was allowed to get a job, and Pascual’s probation officer recommended that he apply for a job at the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) in the Inland Empire.

“I was hired on the spot and joined a transitional work crew, beautifying the city four days a week and meeting with a CEO job coach on Fridays,” Pascual says.

Pascual adds that CEO helped him get on his feet for the first time in his life. “They guided me and assisted me in my reentry. I couldn't have done it without them and my job coach. My work crew supervisor even drove over to my house and dropped off diapers and formula for my daughter. I was tearful, and it was a blessing.”

CEO paid for Pascual’s clothes and and bus vouchers and gave him a gas card once he bought a car. They also helped him open a bank account,, apply for food assistance via Calfresh,, and enroll in Calfresh Employment & Training (E&T). Through CEO’s Calfresh E&T partnership, CEO is reimbursed half the cost of many of its services provided to Calfresh recipients. This allows for stronger, higher-quality skills training on its transitional work crews and vocational job coaching specific to a participant’s career goals.

Soon after beginning at CEO, Pascual got a job at a major retailer working in their warehouse. However, after a three-month probation period, during which he had no infractions, Pascual was let go without cause.

“They hired me conditionally knowing I was formerly incarcerated, but fired me after doing the background check,” says Pascual. “So I decided I wanted to get my Commercial Drivers License (CDL) because it’s a stable job, and they give you a fair chance.”

Pascual returned to work with CEO’s transitional crew in San Bernardino, which has a work-based learning curriculum specific to careers in the transportation sector. This time, he had a new goal in mind. He told his probation officer he wanted to become a truck driver, and they agreed to explore the opportunity.

“Once I knew they were going to try to help me get my CDL, I went to the DMV and took the permit test and passed,” Pascual says. “I think that impressed them because the next week the San Bernardino probation office paid $7,500 for me to attend trucking school.”

Pascual graduated from drug court about the same time he started his six-week CDL course, a sign that he was moving from his old life to a new life. CEO paid for his transportation costs during school and provided a weekly stipend for necessities.

“After I earned my CDL, CEO offered to help me get a job, but I found one myself almost immediately,” says Pascual. “I started with my current company five months ago, and I’m thrilled to be on the open road in California and Arizona. I love the peace and quiet and solitude driving for a living provides.”

During his average 750 miles of driving per week, Pascual likes to read motivational books or listen to stories about recovery.

“I go to meetings every week to stay sober because it saved my life. Without drugs I’m ready to do the next right thing every day,” Pascual says. “As long as I stay sober I can be the best man for myself and everyone around me. And now I’m a role model for people inside to see that they can do it too.”

In talking about how much CEO helped his reentry, Pascual points out how many obstacles one meets after being released, and how someone was there from CEO to navigate every one of them.

“CEO was a crutch for me when I got home. Anytime I needed help, they were there. When I needed interview clothes, they were there. When I needed gas, they were there,” Pascual says. “They were there to help me get prepared and ready for success. Even though I am not working at CEO now, they still call me every month to check on me and give me a monthly retention check for keeping my job. What a program!”

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