Glaucia Aparecida Salomé works as a telemarketer.

Glaucia joined Vida Jovem after the sudden death of her mother, and stayed in the program for eight years. In school, Glaucia took advantage of the opportunities that came her way. Moreover, she took English and Computer Technology classes and following high school, she studied in college for one year as a physical therapy major. However, Glaucia realized that she would like to pursue a different career, and now works in the area of telemarketing. She is constructing her own home, along with her partner, whom she plans to marry. Whenever possible, Gláucia visits Vida Jovem and mentors children who are in the program, including her sister, who is one of our residents.

Ângelo Máximo lived at Vida Jovem for eight years and today is studying physical education.

When he arrived at Vida Jovem, Ângelo was very shy. Through the activities developed in the organization, Ângelo overcame his shyness as well as other challenges. Today, Ângelo works as Manager of Production at a costume jewelry company and is happy with the work he performs. He took vocational courses in electronics and is now enrolled in a 4-year program at Uninove University, majoring in Physical Education.  

Carlos Jorge Rodrigues opened his own wrought iron business.

Since he was a young boy, Carlos dreamed of having a family and his own business. In September of 2005, Vida Jovem granted one of Carlos and his wife’s wishes and celebrated their religious wedding ceremony with them.  The ceremony was coordinated by Father Eduardo Dougherty, SJ, one of the founders of Vida Jovem. Carlos and his wife have two children. Today, Carlos continues his studies and plans to take a technical course in electronics in order to further develop his work and augment his income. Carlos is a skilled wrought iron craftsman and with his brother, operates a small shop with their own tools, and from which they generate their family income.

Érick Rodrigues studies computer technology and works with Editoria Gráfica Bernardi, a book publisher.

Focused and self-disciplined, Érick made outstanding academic progress upon his entrance into Vida Jovem, at the age of six.  He was always especially interested in computers.  Because of his concern for his family’s well-being, Érick took a break from his studies when he left Vida Jovem in order to help out with his family’s expenses.  Fortunately, his family’s situation improved and Érick was able to return to his studies. He took a high school equivalency course paid by Vida Jovem and worked as a night watchman, until Jardel Bernardi, Board member at Vida Jovem, took an interest in him and placed Érick in his current job at Editora Gráfica Bernardi.  In order to help him realize his dream of working with computer technology and graphic arts, Vida Jovem finances the course Érick is currently taking to enhance his career prospects at EGB. Érick is married and has one child.

Luciano de Andrade Maciel earned his college degree in Business Administration.

Luciano was originally brought to Vida Jovem by his maternal grandmother, who understood that the violent area where Luciano’s parents were living was a threat to his safety.  As soon as he entered the program, Luciano demonstrated great interest in his studies and was recognized for his commitment and intelligence. He received a scholarship provided by Vida Jovem to study Business Administration at São Judas Tadeu University.  He later transferred to FMU which offered a superior program and was closer to his work at the Companhia Brasileira de Distribuição (Pão de Açucar Supermarket chain), where Luciano worked for seven years in the finance department.  In 2007, Luciano earned his college degree and opened an auto accessories shop with a friend in Ipiranga, which is giving him a first-hand experience in entrepreneurship. 

William da Silva Santos earned his Registered Nursing degree and provides tutoring at Vida Jovem.

Determined to study and succeed in life, William stands out for his academic achievements.  He achieves excellent grades and his teachers recognize his tremendous dedication.  William, an orphan, was raised in the SOS Community (Aldeia SOS) program. Upon graduation from high school he received a scholarship to travel to Norway for two years.  Upon his return to Brazil, now fluent in English, he found himself without any support.  At this time he was referred to Vida Jovem because of its emphasis on education.  After meeting William, the Vida Jovem Board decided to grant this dedicated young man a scholarship to attend the São Camilo University Registered Nursing Program. William graduated in December, 2007. To supplement his income, William was hired several years ago to teach English and provide tutoring to the Vida Jovem scholars.  He also gives educational talks in the area of health both within and outside Vida Jovem.  William’s peers demonstrate a great respect for him; he was elected leader of Vida Jovem’s Alumni Association.  In this capacity, he organizes and leads meetings for the alumni and provides guidance.

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