Our Stories

Luis began his career in social work with Passport to Learning in 2019. His experience in hospitality and sales gave him expert skills in communication and he learned how to interact with people of different backgrounds and needs. But he knew he wanted to make a change in his career that would allow him to help others and make a positive impact. Initially he dreamed of becoming a probation officer for youth. Luis found the profession of social work aligned with his goals and led him to a job with Alta California Regional Center.

Ben (also known as Seth) lives a well-rounded  life where he enjoys his work, his hobbies, and feels pride for his accomplishments. He wanted to live an independent  life and has achieved that with  education and persistence. In addition  to his professional life, Ben is somewhat an adrenaline  junkie and enjoys chasing the thrill rollercoasters provide.

Reyva is soon to be a graduate of Sacramento State with a Bachelor’s degree in Social  Work, a mother and an advocate for herself and for her daughters. Despite a tumultuous upbringing and becoming disabled at the age of 4 months, Reyva always felt motivated to prove to herself that she is capable and can achieve all of her goals. Now, she is excited to begin her career and be a role model for herself and for others.

When Xavier’s parents, Samantha and Thomas, received his post-natal diagnosis of Down Syndrome, they were worried. The initial expectations every parent has for their child melted away. The primary concern was Xavier’s  health; he was born 3 weeks early and was sent to the NIC-U  to be provided early care.  

Lucy may only be 2, but she is strong! When her parents first started noticing signs of delay, they were naturally worried. With the right help and Lucy’s positive personality, she has been making improvements despite her disability.

Being a parent always brings a sense of joy, and for Kristal it brought double when she learned she was pregnant with twins! However, it wasn’t until she gave birth to her premature girls, Ariel and Katalina, that she learned that Ariel has Down Syndrome. Kristal’s labor was a tumultuous experience, so when she was told about Ariel’s disability, she had to cope with the difficulties that lay ahead. Despite the complications of having a child with Down Syndrome, what they gained was a new world filled with possibilities.

Collin is a fun-loving, charismatic person with a beaming smile. He is also an artist and animator, creating content that is wholesome, educational, and entertaining. His goal in life is to help make the world a brighter and more positive place with animation videos he posts on his YouTube Channel. He created his channel in early 2012 and has grown his audience to over 22,000 subscribers. His dedication to animation is proven by his continued desire to learn more about the technique of animating and to apply his creative ability to his work.

James is an avid lover of animals and believes in helping animals big and small. As a child, he grew up on a farm and was surrounded by animals, finding friends in furry creatures. When he met his dog, Cindy, at the local animal shelter he volunteered at, it was love at first sight and they have been inseparable for 10 years.

Many dream of going to college and living on their own, enjoying all that campus life has to offer. Randy, a senior at California State University – Sacramento (Sac State), has made that dream possible. Like other college students, Randy is focused on achieving academic success, considering his career options after he graduates, enjoying life on campus, and attending social events and parties. He is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Communications, with one year left before he graduates in 2021.