Oscar Hernandez accepted into Loma Linda Graduate Program A publication of San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity
April 2010
The day had finally arrived. On March 6, 2010 four families, whom I had come to know as friends, were finally handed the keys to their new homes. Everyone was there. Wonderful people from every station of life who selflessly gave of their time, talents and resources to make this dream a reality showed up to celebrate. We came to celebrate the completion of the homes and transformation of a neighborhood. We came to celebrate and affirm the Habitat mission of providing quality affordable housing. But most of all we came to celebrate 21 truly deserving people who now permanently call Monrovia their home. My association with the project began at the groundbreaking. I was asked to represent the Xerox Community Involvement Program since I live in Monrovia. There I met Ann Dougherty, a
board member whose husband I worked with early in my Xerox career. Let me tell you, no one can talk to Ann about Habitat without being compelled to action. But that was just the first of many connections I made that day. Looking at the donor list, there were more than 30 friends from my church that had invested to start the build. The student asked to lead the Pledge of Allegiance was the daughter of dear friends and neighbors. I came in as a spectator and left knowing I had to get involved more deeply. Six months later I became a regular weekend volunteer at the Sherman build which was the highlight of my week. Over the ensuing ten months I came to know each family in a special way as we worked together to fulfill the dream. I met Ray and Sonia Quiroz and learned how much
photo by Randy Schenk
photo by Keith Johnson
sherman homes dedication celebration
photo by Randy Schenk
Oscar was majoring in social work when his back started hurting and was causing him excruciating pain. He was diagnosed with a birth defect , an incomplete vertebrae. Back surgery delayed his education. When he was healed, Oscar went back to school and received a grant for one more year. He had an internship in his last semester for pre-requisite courses in physical therapy. Two dreams have now come true for Oscar’s family — a home of their own and the start of Oscar’s professional career. His mother, through determination, perseverance and resourcefulness, qualified for a Kenwood Habitat home which has an elevator for her disabled son. Fulfillment of Oscar’s personal dream begins this fall with studies at Loma Linda University in the masters/doctoral program for Pediatric Physical Therapy. Oscar’s desire is to work with families whose children have disabilities. He enjoys the family dynamics and wants to help children with their recovery.
photo by Randy Schenk
Oscar Hernandez has a dream to work with underprivileged families who have children with disabilities. He would like to be affiliated with a hospital and run his own clinic. After competing with 300 applicants, he was accepted at Loma Linda University in San Bernardino. Oscar’s journey has been challenging, but it has taught him to be the responsible, compassionate person he is today at age 26. His younger 16-year-old brother who was born with cerebral palsy has taught Oscar to handle responsibility at an early age and to pay attention to details. Being extra
cautious, caring and nurturing have been the lessons learned while taking care of his brother. Oscar Hernandez has been blessed with the tools necessary to make his dream become a reality. Oscar’s mother who has four children kept the family grounded and didn’t hide his brother’s disability. Whenever his brother was hospitalized, Oscar, as a teenager, accompanied his mother to the hospital. He took on adult responsibility, but this didn’t deter him from making good grades. His mom didn’t have to tell him to do his homework. In high school he received the most recognized student award in math. He knew in his senior year that he wanted to go to college, but was apprehensive about leaving his family behind. He was accepted at Cal State University at Long Beach, but he didn’t have a car. For one year his mom drove Oscar five days a week for one hour each way. He stayed at school until 7:00 PM to wait for the traffic to lighten up. He could complete his homework at school with no distractions.
returning to Monrovia meant to them as a family. Between Ray’s quick wit, Sonia’s beautiful spirit and their deep faith in Jesus; I knew we would become friends in a New York minute. I learned much about being a better father and husband from Mario Del Grosso as we pounded nails or stuffed insulation. I marveled at the dedication of Marcos and Daniel Naccarati, two young men who served faithfully in building their family’s new home and the houses of their neighbors. The fact that the three of us are soccer nuts was icing on the cake. I was inspired seeing the entire Nava family taking on any task to help get things done. We may have started off as strangers but through Habitat we became an extended family. Continued on page 3
1
Please e-mail us so we can update your e-mail for our mailing list: info@sgvhabitat.org 4
Oscar Hernandez
3
Geneva “Down the Stretch”
2
SunGreen Systems
2
President’s Message
1
Sherman Homes Dedication
Inside: San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity 400 South Irwindale Avenue Azusa, CA 91702
NONPROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID PASADENA, CA PERMIT NO. 224