Rick D. Sanchez

Rick D. Sanchez, Director of the SER program in Hawthorne, California, develops a local corporate advisory council - the Amigos de SER.

Its Executive Director, Rick Sanchez, is the longest serving SER employee in the nation and has instilled in his staff an appreciation and respect for people in need and that is a great part of the organization's success.He recently turned over the responsibility for operations to Charles Villanueva.

SER-South Bay works closely with youth, especially with foster youth in preparing them for emancipation at age 18.Many of these youth successfully participate in the Travel & Tourism Training Program which is an American Airlines computerized reservations system training curriculum.Rick believes that "hands-on learning" teaches team building and socialization for at-risk youth and also provides an opportunity to incorporate English and math remedial skills and interactive life skills.So when officials from the city of Los Angeles came to him over 10 years ago for help in reducing violence between Hispanic gangs, he responded with a program that has continued to have enormous success.

Model Racing Project - Provides High-Risk youth exposure to concepts in team work, electronic circuitry, hand & eye co-ordination, and competition among youth in the design and racing of the remote-control car.

Companies like Albertson's make it possible for us to provide job training and other programs that provide young people with the skills , confidence , and self-esteem they need to secure their future , said Rick Sanchez , executive director of SER/Jobs for Progress.

``Companies like Albertson's make it possible for us to provide job training and other programs that provide young people with the skills , confidence , and self-esteem they need to secure their future , '' said Rick Sanchez , executive director of SER/Jobs for Progress.

Ms. Vickie Edgar, Manager, Strategic Partnerships of American Airlines Travel Academy in Forth Worth, Texas (center) and Mr. Rick D. Sanchez, Executive Director for SER Travel Academy, attending the first FOSTER YOUTH Pre-SABRE Graduation.