When Navy veteran Dwight De La Cruz came to the America’s Job Center of California (AJCC) Bakersfield, he wasn’t sure if anyone could help him. After years of unemployment, limited income, and transportation challenges, Dwight was at risk of homelessness and struggling to find a way forward. His driver’s license had been suspended for 30 years, and unpaid fines made finding steady work even more difficult.
During his first meeting with EDD’s Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialist (DVOP) Richard Baca, Dwight was honest about how he felt.
“I don’t think you can help, no one could, but I am desperate to do something,” Dwight said.
Richard encouraged him not to give up, telling Dwight, “We will find answers together and get you back to work.”
That promise became the start of a new chapter for Dwight. Through weekly meetings, Richard helped Dwight update his resume, prepare for interviews, and build his confidence. He also helped Dwight find a way to address his long-standing driver’s license issue.
After a court hearing, Dwight was able to resolve the outstanding matter with his license and obtain a restricted license, removing one of the biggest barriers standing between him and employment.
Dwight continued his job search and, in July 2026, received a conditional offer from well-known construction and mining equipment manufacturer, Caterpillar.
After successfully completing his required screening and physical examination, he officially began working as a Warehouse Associate on July 23, earning $46,464 annually.
Looking back at everything he had overcome, Dwight was thrilled to re-enter the work force. “I never thought I would be able to get all these problems solved. Thank you for everything,” Dwight said.
For Dwight, this was more than finding a job. It was about regaining independence, finding hope, and realizing that with a little help, problems that once seemed impossible could be overcome, one step at a time.