A record number of 31 youth aged 14-21 were eligible to work at one of 20 worksites that stepped up to be part of this important program. The TANF program provides these career exploration opportunities with the support of departments and businesses within the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians’ reach as well as some at the Santa Rosa and Cahuilla reservations and in the city of Riverside where other TANF program offices are located.

All potential youth workers are required to complete the same job application process as any Soboba employee would. This gives them first-hand experience and insight into the work world and what they can expect in the future. Once accepted into the work program, they spend a full week of pre-employment training.

Soboba TANF Senior Program Specialist Annalisa Tucker said during this time, youth completed several foundational certifications and workforce‑readiness activities. Each participant earned their CPR & First Aid certification, obtained a food handler’s card, and finished their new‑hire orientation with Human Resources. They also engaged in mock interviews, learned practical skills on how to be a successful employee, and took theCOPS (Career Occupational Preference System) career assessment to identify potential career paths and college majors that aligned with their strengths. In addition, youth participated in leadership development activities designed to build confidence, communication, and teamwork. Employers are asked to complete performance evaluations that rate the quality of work, quantity of work, job knowledge and work habits displayed by the young workers under their supervision throughout their employment.

Even though some of the workers were returning to a job site they had been at in previous years, a Managers Meet-and-Greet luncheon on June 18 was a welcome kick-off before they were set to start their assigned jobs on June 22. The youth were able to discuss scheduling with their new bosses. Many of them have high school sports practices and other obligations to be considered while managers discussed some of the projects that needed to be completed and explained how they could help their departments during the six-week program.

Regional TANF Manager Harold Arres welcomed everyone to the event and told the youth to be proud of themselves for taking the initiative to apply. He introduced Soboba’s Tribal Executive Officer Steven Estrada to say a few words to the youth after providing a blessing.

“You should congratulate yourselves on the dedication that you’re showing,” Estrada said. “It’s nice to earn a little bit of income over the summer but this is really an extra slice of Trial sovereignty. Tribal programs are an extension of Tribal government and shows what Tribes have the authority to do. We have 19 different departments within the Soboba Tribal administration, employing over 300 individuals who make this their career.”

Estrada shared that he got his start in Tribal programs as a teenager when he volunteered at the Santa Rosa Tribal office during the summer. He began working in cultural monitoring and got a job at Soboba doing monitoring which rolled into the Environmental Department.

“I continued to dedicate myself to Tribal government, working in these Tribal programs and now I am overseeing the whole administration, reporting to Tribal Council,” he said. “You can’t do it alone. You really need to maintain these relationships and carry yourselves professionally. I have an amazing team of dedicated leaders within their departments. So remember that this is not just a job; it’s a career you can grow into. You guys are making Tribal government work so give yourselves a round of applause.”

A special guest speaker at the event was Soboba’s oldest living Tribal member, Teresa Silvas Seaton, who was born on April 21, 1930. She shared her lifetime of work experience and what advantages it provided.

“When I was born at Soboba Hospital, there weren’t many opportunities for Native Americans, especially the women,” she said. She felt fortunate to be able to work with her mother at a young age and helping with the apricot harvest and as a teenager at the cannery in Hemet. After graduating from high school in 1948, Seaton joined the Army Air Force.

“All this led to me being responsible, reliable, and resourceful,” Seaton said. She said if she could accomplish all that she did when there were limited opportunities available, she encouraged the youth to take advantage of all that is offered to them these days.

Allynn Silvas was excited to be assigned to work with the Soboba Sports Complex ground crew. His supervisors are Alex Alvarado, who is the Maintenance Lead at the Sports Complex and Fabian Correa, who is also in charge of maintenance for the crew that also takes care of the grounds at The Oaks.

“I’ve lived on the rez since I was five and my dad took me to work with him, so I grew up watching the way things work around here,” said Allynn, 16, whose father is Parks and Recreation Director Andy Silvas. “I always watched these guys work, day in and day out, and I know they do a lot. I’m just looking forward to being helpful.”

Jerimyah Saenz is working with Tribal chef Anita Morillo and her team at the kitchen for the second year in a row. The sixteen-year-old has already chosen to attend culinary school after he finishes high school and this program gives him an insider’s view to all aspects of kitchen operations. Not only is he learning about menu planning and how to operate different types of equipment, but he is also building life skills. The Tribal kitchen is responsible for preparing food for Tribal meetings, weekend events, program lunches and more.

Soboba’s Roadrunner Express has been a popular worksite and has welcomed WE LEAD participants since the store opened in 2023. Store Managers Linda Whitener and Tony Brimer will oversee four youth workers this year who will learn about the daily operations of the 24/7 store and service station.

“Customer service is always number one on our list of what is most important for them to learn,” Brimer said. From checking in deliveries to stocking shelves and cashiering, there is always something to be done at the busy store. He said following the schematics throughout the store helps them stock the shelves and that in turn teaches them where items are located so they can guide customers in the right direction. Brimer said it is this type of helpfulness that brings customers back.

Whitener said two of the workers, Bentley Resvaloso and Ete’tish Arviso are new to the worksite, but Domingo Resvaloso and Ginger Velazquez are returnees. Supervisors enjoy the program because the youth come in wanting to learn. The managers said they are full of energy and willing to do whatever is asked of them.

Danny Placencia is a recent graduate of San Jacinto Valley Academy and already has decided he wants to become a mechanic and/or a welder. Fortunately, Soboba Public Works is part of the WE LEAD program and offers him a chance to get his hands dirty working with the mechanics.

The department is responsible for anything Soboba-related and that includes 225 vehicles, 25 generators, seven fire trucks and a number of Noli school buses. The work they do is about 50 percent routine maintenance and 50 percent repair work.

Mechanic Alex Gutierrez and Head Mechanic Russ Hanson said Danny shadows them as they talk him through whatever they are working on. They explain each step as well as tools they are using and why. Danny helped them pull a motor out of one of the Kubota utility vehicles that is used by the Sports Complex maintenance crew. They replaced a rear bumper and some truck motor mounts on Public Safety vehicles. He has also been able to do some welding while also helping them reorganize the garage.

This is Danny’s first time in the program because in prior years his school sports obligations prevented him from participating.

“I’ve been around mechanics my whole life because of my uncles and cousins,” Danny said. He credits Michael “Bud” Ward, Michael Placencia, and his grandfather Glen Placencia for being a great influence on him. “They’ve all been great role models,” he said.

Soboba Preschool Director Lenora “Ponie” Mojado appreciated the extra hands as staff and teachers prepare for the new school year, which begins Aug. 4. Liberty High School junior Carolyn Hurtado, 16, and San Jacinto High School senior Kimani Resvaloso-Sanchez, 17, were happy to help during the final days of summer school and a special family-oriented event on July 9.

Carolyn’s future career goal is to be an attorney for Native Americans and Kimani has her sights set on being a teacher now that she has been able to learn more about it during this experience. Both enjoyed working with the children and engaging with their families. Decorating the kindergarten classroom was a special treat for Kimani who was a member of the first graduating class at the new preschool building.

“I was surprised at seeing what it is like on the teachers’ level which was so much different from what I saw when I was here just helping out,” Kimani said. She plans to use her earnings to purchase some school clothes and items needed as a member of her high school’s cheerleading team for the third year. She attends cheer practice from 6 to 8 a.m. followed by summer school classes before reporting for work at 12:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. She said the busy schedule has helped her learn important time management skills.

“This (WE LEAD) program gives young kids a chance to see what to expect after school ends and they can learn all kinds of life skills in the process,” Kimani said.

Carolyn said the program is amazing because it gives youth the opportunity to experience working in different departments and with a variety of projects. She also said the budget information that was provided during the orientation week was very helpful.

“I plan to save for a vehicle or just to get financially stable,” Carolyn said. This summer’s income will contribute greatly to her goal.

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This year, 21 youths have been assigned summer intern positions with the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, the Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians and the Cahuilla Band. Applications were accepted from March 20 through April 13. Harold Arres is the Regional Prevention Manager for Soboba Tribal TANF’s PRC and has been coordinating the work experience program since he began working there in 2012. Soboba’s TANF program started in 2006 and WE LEAD was introduced a few years later.

Arres said all participants go through the same hiring process as any Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians employee. The next step in the program was to attend a four-day training week where they learned valuable details. It began with a presentation by Human Resources and included a class in financial literacy led by William Ramirez, Life Skills, CPR & First Aid training and Food Handlers Certification for those employed in those service areas.

The interns received two full days of job skills training with consultant Mikela Jones. She covered expectations and norms, communication, conflict resolution and included some team building and goal setting activities. To help them realize their full potential, Jones worked with the interns to identify individual gifts and talents to utilize during their work experience. She also gave them guidance on how to take care of themselves to prevent “burn out” since for some, this is their first job.

On June 15, a Meet and Greet Luncheon was held for the new employees to sit with their managers to go over requirements and expectations and discuss schedules. Harold Arres welcomed everyone and made introductions of his staff who the youth and managers will be working with through the course of the program to insure accurate time sheets and other issues. Interns will be working about 25 hours a week from June 20 through July 31, for a total of 175 hours.

After providing a blessing for Creator to watch over the youth, Soboba Tribal Executive Officer Steven Estrada congratulated them and commended them for taking the steps to get involved. “Money is great, especially over the summertime, but more importantly, you’re gaining work experience within a Tribe and this is something that should really be thought about,” he said.

He recalled hearing his mother and other relatives talk about it being hard to be an Indian and “thinking about all the challenges we face, don’t take it for granted that the Tribe is always going to be here, providing all these services.”

“Today, the Supreme Court upheld the Indian Child Welfare Act and it wasn’t just about families and children; at the core of it was Tribal sovereignty,” Estrada said. “This is just a reminder of how we are still facing challenges that could undermine everything and could take it all away. So, it’s up to you kids to take on these future roles. Really reflect over the summer on what you’re learning and give thanks to what has been provided by the Tribe, your parents, grandparents and the team working hard to create wonderful organizations and programs such as this.”

Soboba Tribal Council Vice Chairwoman Geneva Mojado shared how she was part of a similar work experience program when she was about 14, doing secretarial work at the Old Tribal Hall. “Congratulations on your summer job. It’s truly a blessing to employ so many Tribal members,” she said after introducing fellow Tribal Council members Daniel Valdez, treasurer, and Monica Herrera, secretary. She noted that Chairman Isaiah Vivanco and Sergeant-at-arms Mike Bentiste are in Sacramento on Tribal business.

“Any job is going to teach you teamwork but be that team player and be able to communicate. Get to know who your co-worker is and enjoy what you do,” Mojado said. “Getting a job at your age is an accomplishment. You’re putting aside friends and some family to come to work part time. You are giving up 175 hours or your summer. But it’s 175 hours to learn something new, 175 hours to meet new people, 175 hours to learn a new skill and 175 hours to have purpose.”

She shared a quote from Michelle Obama: Success isn’t about how much money you make, it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives. “And I think that’s what all of you are going to do,” she said. “Today you are making a positive impact on your community and your Tribe.”

Arres thanked the supervisors and managers for opening up their worksites for the youth this summer and for attending the meet and greet luncheon. He also thanked the young people who showed initiative by getting involved with the program. He said all youth interns are held to the same standards and same process as all Soboba employees. He said the program had 18 participants last year and it was budgeted for 20 this year but when 21 qualified candidates expressed interest, Arres said they were able to find money in their budget to include one more.

A hiring board of three people conducted an interview with each applicant. The potential employees had to submit three essays which were rated by each panelist. They also submitted a resume, which was part of the review process. An average score was assigned based on the individual panelist’s scores and everyone got a final rating. “We have refined the process over the years,” Arres said. “It gives these kids the experience of going through an interview process for any future job.

Parks and Recreation Activities Director Jennifer Garcia is supervising four Recreational Aides this summer. The Summer Youth Academy for ages 13-17 offers activities and outings throughout June and aides will be on hand to help out when and where needed.

Ashlyn Russell, 15, served as an aide last summer and said she likes working with kids. “The job is very hands-on and it’s fun to get to know all the kids individually,” she said.

Sisters Luisa and Shawna Rivera have also been aides in the past. Shawna, 15, said she likes chaperoning them on field trips. Luisa, 17, said she likes working with the children and doing something helpful. She plans to save her earnings for school clothes, Starbucks and the extra expenses she will incur entering her senior year of high school.

Akwaalimay Resvaloso, 14, is joining the work experience program for the first time and is excited to work with the kids at the Soboba Sports Complex. “I want to learn new things, get out of the house and save some money,” she said, adding that the most important thing she learned from the job skills training classes the prior week was to stay focused and always communicate.

Mkilawish Arres, 14, will be working alongside technicians at Soboba’s Information Technology department. She looks forward to learning more about how to help people with their computer issues. Chief Information Officer Steve Nino said this is the first time in a while that IT has been involved with the work experience program. “For what Mkilawish is coming into, she will be able to qualify for her technician’s certificate through Microsoft,” he said. “Technology is the basis for everything. She’ll be assisting with a lot of user end support and administration.”

Jocie Yepa, 17, will be spending her days working with Soboba Tribal Preschool Office Manager Amber Lopez. As an instructional aide, she will assist pre-kindergarten teacher Ana Garcia through June 29 while students are attending summer school. Then she will assist in setting things up for the next school year including registration packets and more. On her way to Cal State San Marcos in the fall to study Indigenous Anthropology, Jocie said she will be saving her earnings to help with college expenses.

Sandra Haro is a Registered Dental Assistant working at Soboba Dental and will have two interns learning about all the different duties and careers available in the dental field. “They can assist with suctioning, sterilization, getting trays ready for the doctor as well as being at the front desk to answer phones and take messages,” Haro said. April Haro, 17, said she wanted to work to be productive over the summer and to have the opportunity to gain experience in the field.

Alayna Resvaloso-Wood will be working with the Soboba Cultural Resource Department, dividing her time between the outdoor community garden with Eloyd Rodriguez and the office with Jessica Valdez. Alayna, 16, said she looks forward to working with the plants. She has her own tree and other plants in her home garden. She worked in the TANF office last year and wanted to explore other areas this time. Rodriguez said Alayna will have an opportunity to learn about soil testing and the difference between determinate and indeterminate tomato varieties, which are in season right now.

Arres said this program is a wonderful opportunity for the youth, providing them opportunities and goals they couldn’t find elsewhere. His own children have been part of the program in the past, and again this year, so he has seen the benefits firsthand. “Abigail was outgoing to begin with, but this program helped her achieve a higher level of maturity and confidence,” he said. Working with Soboba Fire, he said she has learned a lot about community service and that has carried over into her daily life.

“For kids that aren’t naturally outgoing, I’ve seen them come out of their shells and show leadership to their peers,” Arres said. “The barriers we’re breaking down for them is amazing. They learn how to interact with all ages in a workplace environment.”

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