SUCCESS STORIES

OCCC is a voluntary program; corps member are here because they want to be and many of them recognize this is their last chance to make a better life fro themselves. For many, the OCCC is a last chance to avoid gangs, stay free from drug abuse, avert incarceration, and ultimately ensure a positive life for themselves as working, productive members of their community. 

Corpsmember, Nicole Edwards was living in a rundown motel with her sister and mother; no real direction in life and was unsure of who she was and what she wanted. Before Edwards started working at OCCC she expected life to just hand her everything while she did nothing. Edwards became tired of not getting anywhere and so decided to obtain her diploma and joined the OCCC with her sister. “I don’t know where I would be right now if it were not for this program, “ said Edwards, “there were many times that I wanted to give up, but did not. I am very excited to move on and use the skills I have obtained during my time at the corps.” Edwards has since graduated from high school, received her driver’s license, obtained a scholarship from AmeriCorps, and will be moving on to another job.

Corpsmember Cashmere Carter dropped out of high school, and attributes her new success as a college student in the criminal justice program to that of OCCC, and to the friend who referred her.  "I never thought I was going to walk across a stage in front of loved ones to give a speech, but I did," Carter said. "I have to say, being at the Orange County Conservation Corps has really helped me out a lot. I think of it as not just completing the program, but better preparing me for life itself."