Watsonville NETworX celebrated the graduation of its second class on May 4 at the Watsonville First United Methodist Church.
NETworX, a national program which the church’s Pastor Robin Mathews-Johnson discovered two years ago, seeks to help people lift themselves out of poverty. Watsonville NETworX graduated its first class of participants, dubbed “Champions,” last year.
Co-coordinator Mayra Bernabe said that despite this year’s class being smaller, its participants have been just as dedicated and passionate about the program. Two men and two women completed the program with a group of “Allies” who supported them along the way.
Speakers included graduates, as well as Watsonville Police Chief David Honda and Bianca Tavera, a licensed clinical social worker who has helped Bernabe and fellow co-coordinator Maritza Ortiz with recruitment.
“I’m so proud of this class,” Bernabe said. “It’s so rewarding to see even the smallest of positive changes come from their hard work.”
Also presenting at the graduation were members of the program’s youth group, organized by Mathews-Johnson. They had a chance to show the audience what they do on a regular day when their parents are involved in NETworX.
Bernabe said that the program has attracted the attention of a number of churches in California. A week before graduation they hosted people from churches in Salinas, Palo Alto and Mountain View to learn about NETworX and sit in on one of the classes.
“It’s really exciting,” Bernabe said. “We’ve only been at this for a couple of years. The fact that we are already setting an example for others — I think it really shows that programs like these are needed.”
2018 NETworX graduates are Gloria Avalos, Patricia Gallegos, Eugenio Serrano and Mariano Serrano.
A new class will start up in the fall. Visit the official Watsonville NETworX Facebook or call 724-4434 for information.
