Success Stories
Real People. Real Progress. Real Impact.
Our Story
Managed Career Solutions (MCS), a State-designated Social Purpose Corporation and Los Angeles County-certified Social Enterprise, is a leading workforce and economic development agency with over 30 years of experience providing employment and training services to diverse job-seeking populations—including veterans, individuals with disabilities, the homeless, and the justice-involved—through its operation of multiple America’s Job Centers of California, Business Services Centers, and specialized programs, serving over 80,000 individuals across Los Angeles and Orange Counties in the past three years.
Building Futures Through Workforce Innovation.
At MCS, we empower individuals to overcome barriers and build sustainable careers. Through innovative workforce programs and hands-on training, we help create brighter futures—one success story at a time.
Monrovia canyon park grand re-opening
Our Success Stories
Monrovia Canyon Park Grand Re-Opening
On Thursday June 26, 2025 The City of Monrovia held a special event to commemorate the Grand Re-Opening of the City’s historic and beloved green space, Monrovia Canyon Park …
Frutoso’s Journey with MCS
Frutoso, a 41-year-old husband and father of four daughters, was enrolled by
Managed Career Solutions, Social Purpose Corporation (MCS SPC, MCS hereafter) in
the 2023 …
Jeremias’ Success Story
Jeremias Martinez, a 31-year-old father with a growing family, faced long-term unemployment and several barriers to securing stable work. He learned about the 2023 SWS NWDG and enrolled with MCS …
Monrovia Canyon Park Grand Re-Opening
On Thursday June 26, 2025 The City of Monrovia held a special event to commemorate the Grand Re-Opening of the City’s historic and beloved green space, Monrovia Canyon Park. Canyon Park is an 80 acre park with a vast trail system, including a waterfall, camping, nature center and cabin for event rentals. The event was attended by over 100 community members, volunteers, contracted partners, civic leaders, city employees and special dignitaries including representatives from the offices of State Assembly Member Harabedian, Supervisor Kathryn Barger (LA County’s 5th District), Monrovia Mayor, Becky Shevlin and Mayor ProTem Tamala Kelly. The event was opened with a Western invocation and prayer and sage blessing led by the Kizh Nation (also known as the Gabrieleno/Gabrielino) honoring the ancestral land “Ashuukshanga” formerly a village settlement.
What made this day especially significant was that nearly everyone present had played a direct role in restoring the park. After the 2020 Bobcat Fire devastated the area, the damage was compounded by severe winter storms that followed. Mudflows, fallen trees, erosion, and debris rendered the park unsafe and inaccessible. The long and difficult recovery process brought together residents, city staff, Park Rangers, nonprofit partners, and workforce development crews, who all worked side by side to bring the park back to life.
Managed Career Solutions, Social Purpose Corporation (MCS), was recognized for its involvement in the restoration of both Monrovia Hillside Wilderness Preserve and Canyon Park. Since 2021, MCS provided more than 200 individuals with paid work experience as they helped with vital recovery efforts. MCS crews assisted with trail resurfacing, erosion control, mudflow cleanup, and the removal of invasive plant species, while working in close coordination with City of Monrovia Park Rangers. Initial crews also earned chainsaw certification as they learned to safely fell and cut snag trees in addition to First Aid, CPR Heart Saver and OSHA 10 certification. This work not only helped rehabilitate the park but also created meaningful workforce development opportunities for job seekers facing barriers to employment.
Before the park was officially reopened, all attendees were invited to participate in a butterfly release. Each person who had contributed to the restoration was given a butterfly to release into the newly revived landscape. This moment was symbolic because it represented the transformation, renewal, and the shared commitment that brought this park back to life.
Following the butterfly release, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the park’s entrance. As the native butterflies soared into the restored landscape, they served as a living tribute to the park’s transformation and the sense of unity that made this park come back to life.
Alexis Altounian – Director of Development MCS
From Overcoming Barriers to Leading Restoration: Frutoso’s Journey with MCS
Frutoso, a 41-year-old husband and father of four daughters, was enrolled by
Managed Career Solutions, Social Purpose Corporation (MCS SPC, MCS hereafter) in
the 2023 Severe Winter Storms National Dislocated Worker Grant (SWS-NDWG) as the
lead Participant Supervisor based on his previous employment history. Despite facing
several significant personal barriers to employment, Mendoza was determined to build a
better future for himself and his family. His resilience, professionalism, pride in his work,
dedication to the participants he supervised, and always on-time, “can-do” work ethic
quickly became evident during his paid work experience opportunity.
Assigned to Monrovia Canyon Park approved worksite, Mendoza displayed outstanding
leadership, mentorship, and collaboration with MCS staff, City of Monrovia Park staff,
Park Rangers and trail volunteers. His ability to build strong relationships and motivate
his team stood out, and as a result, he was hired as a full-time permanent employee by
MCS as the Lead Supervisor for the 2023 SWS NDWG Program.
Currently, he leads an LA County RENEW funded clean-up crew at Monrovia Canyon
Park—an area severely impacted first by the Bobcat Fire in 2020 and then by the
devastating 2023 winter storm. Thanks to his tireless efforts and those of his team, the
park was able to reopen to the public for the first time in over five years.
On June 26, 2025 during the Grand Re-Opening of Monrovia Canyon Park, Mendoza
received heartfelt recognition not only from the park rangers he worked alongside but
also from Monrovia City Council members, including Mayor ProTem, Dr. Tamala Kelly
who praised his exceptional contributions to the park’s restoration. His journey from
overcoming employment challenges to becoming a respected leader and steward of
public land is an inspiring success. His experience exemplifies the purpose of disaster
NDWG programs and in his role on the MCS disaster clean-up team, he will continue to
help others overcome their barriers to employment.
Alexis Altounian – Director of Development MCS
From Overcoming Barriers to Leading Restoration: Frutoso’s Journey with MCS
Jeremias, a 31-year-old father with a growing family, faced long-term unemployment and several barriers to securing stable work. He learned about the 2023 SWS NWDG and enrolled with Managed Career Solutions, Social Purpose Corporation (MCS SPC, MCS hereafter). Despite these challenges, he entered the 2023 Severe Winter Storm program with determination and a strong desire to create a better life for his family by gaining valuable work experience.
Assigned to work at Malibu Creek State Park, Jeremias quickly distinguished himself through his punctuality, professionalism, and strong work ethic. His reliability and hands-on skills did not go unnoticed. State Park Rangers overseeing the crew’s clean-up efforts took note of his dedication and performance.
Although there were no open positions with Malibu Creek State Park where he was assigned, the Park Rangers were so impressed with his work that they informed him of a vacancy at a neighboring park property and its organization, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA). Seizing the opportunity, Jeremias applied—and was hired full-time by MRCA as a Park Assistant III. This position will allow him to grow in his career with MRCA, potentially advancing to a higher-level Park Assistant or Ranger role. His employer, MRCA, is known for long-term employment and career development opportunities.
Jeremias’ journey is a powerful example of how work experience programs and perseverance in the face of barriers can lead to successful, stable unsubsidized employment with ample opportunities for career growth.
Jeremias, pictured below next to the Malibu Creek State Park Ranger who recommended him for the opportunity with MRCA.