i was offered a job at the girardelli square. since then after being there for 2 years, i have been promoted to store supervisor. if it wasn't for super jobs plus, i wouldn't have this job. i really recommend this program to any young person. i would like to thank my manager david africa who i have worked for the past 2 years. i'm very thankful for his guidance and he's been a great mentor and teacher and i owe him a lot and would like to thank all the managers at girardelli who have helped me. i'm also a full time college student studying administration of justice. i will work to give back to the community and country that has given me so much. i show my appreciation for the services i received from jobs plus by helping people get jobs at girardelli. it's satisfying to see the youth get jobs and have confidence in themselves. thank you, mayor lee for the opportunity to share my story. thank you. [ applause ] [ cheers and applause ] >> wow, again that's what it all about. what i appreciate not only at the beginning but the vision

plus initiative was hired by girardelli. that's all i will tell you because jose can tell you the story. please welcome jose. [ applause ] >> good morning. my name is jose and i represent girardelli today. i came to america when i was 14 and i ended up in the foster care system in the bay area. i want to give thanks to my foster mom, lynn silver in the audience today. [ applause ] because without her love and support i would not be the man that i am today. the way she opened her home and her heart to me. a total stranger who had a huge and lasting impact on my life. at the age of 19 i left the foster care system on my own and went to