Southwest Airlines’ Servant’s Heart
Southwest Airlines’ Servant’s Heart–Then and Now. When Southwest Airlines first began in 1967, The Golden Rule, “Treat others as you would like to be treated,” was at the forefront of our Culture and business strategy. At Southwest Airlines, we make it their mission to follow The Golden Rule. To do right by others, you should understand other people’s perspectives and know more about their story. We invite you to learn more about MAAC and their extraordinary programs like Head Start. Now, more than ever, their programs and services are needed to assure that all San Diegans can create the lives they want… and deserve.
MAAC Child Development Program & Next Level Parent Workforce Development Program
On a typical weekday morning, Kenia Brito drops off her three-year-old son at MAAC’s Head Start program in San Marcos before heading to a meeting with her career coach in the Next Level Parent Workforce Development Program. Kenia is able to make progress toward her educational goal of becoming a phlebotomist, knowing that her son is being well-cared for at MAAC.
Kenia has been familiar with MAAC since her two oldest children attended the Head Start program years ago. When she had her third child, she also enrolled him at MAAC because she knew her son, who has a developmental disability, would receive quality care and education. “The teachers were very attentive and communicative regarding my son’s needs. I appreciated their patience while working with him. I can trust that my child is safe and in a nurturing environment while I am working or attending classes,” Kenia shared with GB Magazine.
Many families served through MAAC’s Child Development Program are considered low-income. The parents in these households often place their education and career aspirations on the back burner to meet their families’ immediate needs. Educational programs that can lead to better employment prospects may also be time-intensive or cost-prohibitive for a family member to attend.
MAAC established the Next Level Parent Workforce Development Program to provide families – like Kenia’s -free access to education and career pathways that can lead to greater economic mobility. The program follows MAAC’s two-generation approach, which provides services to enrolled children and their families to ensure the entire family unit is set up for success.
Participants in Next Level must complete a two-day course to assess their skills and interests, map out a potential career path, research education programs and learn time management skills. They also meet one-on-one with a career coach to develop a personalized education and career plan, which includes identifying and addressing barriers that might impede their success, such as childcare, transportation or finances. MAAC then supports participants with career placement services through resume building, connections with partnered employers and work-readiness skills. Every participant enrolled in the Next Level program receives continuous support until they are successfully employed.
“I have always been interested in phlebotomy. When I heard about Next Level and its healthcare pathway, I thought it would be a great opportunity to finally make a career change so I could better provide for my family,” shared Kenia. “Without this program, I would not have been able to afford the training and education to reach my goal; it has opened up new doors for my family and me,” she shared. Less than six months after she enrolled in the program, Kenia finished the required classes and is currently preparing to test for her phlebotomy certification.
Thanks to Southwest Airlines and its longstanding partnership with MAAC, the lives of families like Kenia’s are being transforming across San Diego County. Together, we are helping drive economic, social and environmental impact in our communities.
For more information on Next Level, visit www.MAACproject.org/NextLevelParent or call (619) 426-3595.
