Cruz R. Hinojosa Jr. is a native Houstonian, but grew up all over the world thanks to his father's 21-year U.S. Air Force Career. In 1984, after his locksmith business went south, along with local economic conditions, Cruz came to SER for help.

Through an on-the-job training program, he attained the professional skills he needed to work in an office environment and was placed in his first office job. Fast forward to the present, Cruz has recently retired from the city of Houston after 23 years as a Civilian Supervisor for the Houston Police Department.

After his positive experience at SER, Cruz devoted his time to volunteering with various nonprofits and has served on the boards of several agencies including the YMCA, Galena Park ISD, and NCI Promise Credit Union, as well as Chairman of the Board at SER-Jobs for Progress form 2007-2010. Cruz recently ran for Mayor of Galena Park and now that he is retired, lives life by the motto "Every day is like a Saturday...except Sunday."

Cruz was honored for his exemplary work in the community and for embodying the spirit and potential within every SER client during SER's 47th Anniversary Gala.