Mission:

To enhance the quality of life in the Hispanic community and other communities in need by providing education, training, and employment services that empower individuals, businesses, and communities.

Vision:

To be the premiere workforce service provider in the Gulf Coast Region.

History:

Originally founded by LULAC and the G.I. Forum in 1965 as a job bank for Hispanic veterans, SER has grown and evolved into a national organization providing a variety of workforce development programs to diverse communities in need.

SER-Jobs for Progress has dedicated itself to the goal of enhancing the quality of life for disadvantaged individuals in the greater Houston area by providing education, training, and employment services.

SER provides individuals from low-income, high-poverty, at-risk communities with the education, skills, training, and supportive services they need to be workforce ready, and financially responsible. Within their broad range of services, SER specializes in preparing individuals for skilled labor, living-wage jobs in the various industries and works with employers to meet their staffing needs. By empowering individuals with more than just a paycheck, SER helps strengthen families, communities, businesses, and stimulates Houston’s economy… one job at a time.

Ser is the Spanish verb to be. It is a fitting acronym for Service, Employment, and Redevelopment because everything SER does is dedicated to helping individuals become gainfully employed, independent, self-sufficient citizens of the work force and community.

SER's successes in 2011 included :

• Trained more than 400 low-income youth and adults for Green Collar Jobs in Green Core Construction, Weatherization, Home Energy Rater, HVAC, Concrete Technician, OSHA and Concrete Countertop manufacturing;
• Trained 30 young people (18 - 21) in Health Information Technology;
• Prepared and trained more than 170 low-income seniors (55 and older) for a variety of jobs;
• Started over 280 people on the road to financial independence through our Financial Opportunity Center;
• Began offering innovative new learning options, including PLATO Online courses and on-site GED classes;
• Provided more than 450 people with Business Etiquette training;
• Organized several Houston job fairs leading to direct hires of SER clients; and,
• Provided a variety of bundled services leading to clients achieving employment in a wide range of sectors and positions.

In 2012 SER is looking forward to adding new services, including Micro/Small Business Development Services, expanded vocational training opportunities, and our new website featuring a revamped online job bank, online store, and new ways to communicate and engage with clients and supporters alike.

For charity rating information, please visit the following link:

Guide Star Charity Profile

To access SER's latest IRS Form 990, please download the following attachment: