Because of the WBC, I am finally where I want to be
She was disappointed where her life had gone. Then she entered the Working Boys' Center and her life changed forever.
She was able to complete her sixth grade diploma and entered the fourth group of the WBC Health Promoter's program.
"I had always wanted to study the field of health and the Health Promoter's program was the perfect opportunity for me," said Malbaceda. "It was the first time that I was able to offer my help to others."
The WBC Health Promoter's program began in 1998. Around 140 promoters have graduated to date, with basic knowledge of health promotion, prevention and education in their neighborhoods. The course requires 350 hours of theory and 250 hours of practical experience.
As part of the course, Ana participated in formal classes and internships at hospitals and clinics around Quito. She graduated from the program with a certificate from the Catholic University in Quito.
She now works at a 56-bed hospital serving hospice patients. She works directly with patients by bathing, feeding, providing medication, and offering personal care and attention to terminally ill patients.
As the quality of her performance improved, so has her responsibilities. She oversees 17 patients and works the night shift unsupervised.
"Thanks to the Working Boys' Center, my life has changed forever," said Malbaceda. "I am finally where I want to be—I can provide for my family, my relationship with my children has improved and my home life is 100% better."
Down the road, Malbaceda wants to continue studying nursing by completing her two-year degree and getting her nursing license.
"The program has had a huge impact on my life," she says. "I know that I can survive on my own and I have shown my kids through my personal example that they can do anything by studying."
God guided me to the Working Boys' Center
"God guided me to the Working Boys' Center," said Munoz.
As an older WBC student, he gave communion at Mass, helped tutor students who needed extra assistance on Saturdays and participated in sports teams organized by the WBC.
When he graduated, he obtained a job at a local Mercedes Benz dealership where he worked for eight years. As part of his job, his world expanded greatly through training courses he attended in Chile and Brazil.
Munoz moved to a Hyundai dealership as an electrical technician after the Mercedes Benz dealership closed. As a result of his professionalism and work ethic, he now oversees a department with six employees.
"Of all the values taught at the Working Boys' Center, I use the value of work the most," said Munoz. Because of a steady job with progressive promotions, Munoz has been able to save, purchase his own home and start a retail clothing business that his wife runs.
At 36 years old, Munoz is married and has two children. "The Working Boys' Center changes lives forever," said Munoz. "It takes force and dedication to succeed but it is all worth it."
Motivated to become a new man
Carlos Gómez
Working Boys' Center Graduate
Director of the Working Boys' Center
With a lot of patience and with a firm, but loving, hand Father John motivated me to want to become a new man."
In 1980, after completing his grade and high school education, Carlos joined the team of directors of the Working Boys' Center movement. In 1990 he obtained a Kellogg International Leadership Fellowship as part of the first group in Latin America.
"Feeling affection is the basis for changing attitudes and taking charge of your own life; for me, this is what makes the Working Boys' Center different. The love, the respect and the solidarity along with the discipline and the rules are values that are promoted here every day."