Leticia Resendiz spends her weekdays at Seguin Elementary School, carefully preparing and serving wholesome meals to eager students.  

A dedicated employee, she carefully reviews the instructions of every recipe and always remembers to follow health and safety regulations. 

“I’m happy with this job,” Resendiz said. “I love giving the kids their breakfast and lunch. Everyone is so nice to me.” 

Resendiz is one of four food service attendants hired by Nutrition Services in partnership with two transition programs — HISD-HCC Lifeskills and HISD/HEART (Housing, Entrepreneurship, and Readiness Training).  

The programs are designed to help HISD special education students who have met all academic and course requirements for graduation but require transition services to complete their Individualized Education Program.  

HISD Special Education Transition Coach Amanda Mollet said the purpose of the programs is to provide the participants with job skills and help them maintain employment, as well as connect them and their families with community resources. 

“We help young adults with significant disabilities transition successfully from high school to a productive adult life,” Mollet said.  

Resendiz — along with fellow food service attendants Clayton Hitchens, Juan Zapata, and Michael Mendez — also participated in Community Based Vocational Instruction while they were in high school. The program allows students to train at various sites, experiencing a variety of vocational activities and learning hands-on, work-related skills to aid in their career development.  

“It’s important that we give them an opportunity to have a career and establish stability,” Nutrition Services Senior Area Manager Keith Lewis said.  

Resendiz’s skills and dedication to her duties are making a solid impression on her colleagues.  

“She gets along well with everyone, and she gets her work done,” Nutrition Services Team Leader Karla Larrea said. “We all deserve a chance.” 

Resendiz said she wants others to know that finding suitable employment is possible.  

“Don’t lose hope,” Resendiz said. “You can find the perfect job for you like I did.”

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