Mike McCann Memorial Golf Tournament Tees Off for a Cause

On Friday, October 3rd, Valley Oaks Golf Course hosted the annual Mike McCann Memorial Golf Tournament. With a 9 a.m. shotgun start, more than 60 golfers hit the greens for a day of fun, friendly competition, and community spirit.

The tournament raised funds in support of Proteus Youth Programs, including the Proteus Foster Family Agency, London Community Center, and the Proteus Scholarship Committee. The event not only supported vital youth services but also reunited long-time partners, friends, and community members for a meaningful cause.

The day concluded with a celebratory lunch and prizes for participants. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who sponsored, played, or volunteered—your support made this year’s tournament a resounding success! Be sure to check out the picture gallery below to see highlights from the day.

Congressman Valadao Visits Porterville Employment Center

On Thursday, September 25, Congressman David Valadao visited the Porterville Employment Connection to get a firsthand look at the services available to local job seekers. The visit provided an opportunity to see how community organizations—including Proteus, Inc., the Workforce Investment Board of Tulare County, and local healthcare partners—are working together to help individuals find meaningful employment.

During his tour, Congressman Valadao met with staff and partners to discuss both the challenges job seekers face and the opportunities available to help them succeed. Conversations highlighted workforce development initiatives, training programs, and supportive services designed to make a real difference in the lives of community members.

Key topics included high turnover rates in healthcare, the need for expanded resources to support career advancement, and strategies to promote work-life balance, employee engagement, and retention of skilled workers. Congressman Valadao also learned that Proteus, Inc. became the new administrator of the Porterville Employment Connection on July 1, 2025, offering job seekers access to resume assistance, job search support, on-the-job training, and work experience opportunities to prepare them for long-term, steady employment.

The visit was a valuable chance to showcase the impact of collaboration in the region and to share ideas on how to further strengthen workforce support. Proteus and its partners look forward to continuing their work with community leaders to expand opportunities and help residents achieve their career goals.

Celebrating New Beginnings: Graduations at Self-Help Enterprises

For 22 dedicated students, this month’s Truck Driving and SEED graduations marked more than just the end of a program, it was the start of exciting new opportunities. To accommodate a growing class and their families, the ceremony was held off campus for the first time at our partner agency, Self-Help Enterprises, creating a fresh and inspiring setting for the celebration.

The day was full of heartfelt moments. Eight students stepped forward to personally thank their instructors and mentors, sharing how the encouragement, guidance, and patience they received helped them reach this milestone. It was a powerful reminder of the real difference Proteus programs make in the lives of the community.

Beyond the speeches and applause, the graduates now leave with new skills and the confidence to pursue brighter futures. Proteus is proud to support these journeys and celebrate the resilience and dedication of each student.

Looking forward, Proteus is exploring hosting future graduations at different partner locations, strengthening community ties while continuing to recognize the achievements of our students in meaningful ways.

London Leadership Crew Kicks Off with Wonder Valley Adventure

Thanks to a one-time funding grant, the London Service Center launched initiatives promoting mental health awareness, education, and community engagement. The first step was forming a youth leadership group to help plan and host events within the community.

The leadership group kicked off their journey with a trip to Wonder Valley, where participants took part in three breakout sessions focused on leadership skills and team building. The weekend featured a variety of activities designed to strengthen collaboration, including a ropes course, go-kart riding, swimming, canoe races, archery, paintball, zip lining, and a campfire with team-sharing exercises.

Participants had an amazing time, bonding with one another while learning valuable leadership lessons. Upcoming activities include a trip to UC Davis and the State Capitol, concluding with a visit to Six Flags Marine World.

The London Leadership Crew will also plan a Career Day scheduled for January 2026 and visit community colleges to explore future opportunities. The group continues to meet 1–2 times per month, building teamwork, leadership skills, and experience in organizing community events.

These programs provide youth with hands-on experiences to grow as leaders while positively impacting the community.

Hanford Service Center Participates In Kings County Job Fair

The Hanford Service Center proudly represented Proteus at the Kings County Job Fair, held at the Hanford Civic Auditorium. Hundreds of job seekers filled the space, eager to explore new career opportunities and connect with local employers.

Hanford staff members Alyssa Valdez and Nora Costellanos were on hand to greet attendees, share information about Proteus programs, and answer questions about training and career pathways. “It’s inspiring to see so many people taking the first step toward a new opportunity,” said Alyssa.

A big shoutout to the Hanford Service Center team for bringing energy, enthusiasm, and dedication—truly representing Proteus in the community and helping job seekers take their next step toward success!

Proteus Connecting Our Community at the Tulare County Job Fair

The 33rd Annual Tulare County Job Fair on October 1, 2025 at the Visalia Convention Center brought together over 55 employers hiring for more than 120 jobs, drawing hundreds of job seekers from across the region.

Proteus made a strong impression with four departments engaging the community:

• Human Resources - recruited new employees

• William M. Maguy School of Education - welcomed prospective students

• Farmworker Division - promoted training services

• Youth @Work program - connected with youth exploring job programs

This year’s fair once again demonstrated the impact of community collaboration, offering pathways to careers, education, and training for all ages.

Proteus Success Story:

Manuel Jacobo Davila

After 12 years of seasonal farm labor, Manuel Jacobo Davila overcame emergency surgery, countless rejections, nevertheless earned his Class A CDL and secure a truck driving position with support from our Farmworker Advancement Program.

Spotlight Award: Alyssa Valdez

This month, we are proud to recognize Alyssa Valdez of the Hanford office as our Spotlight Award recipient.

Amid a staffing shortage, Alyssa has gone above and beyond, taking on the responsibilities of two Employer Services Representatives while continuing to deliver outstanding results. Thanks to her dedication and follow-through, the Hanford team has reached 87% enrollment for the Department of Labor grant and is exceeding goals for both Title I and the Farmworker Advancement Program, two critical efforts that support our farmworker community.

Beyond the numbers, Alyssa is known for her positive attitude, client-first approach, and teamwork. She keeps in close contact with clients, strengthens relationships with employers, and supports her coworkers with steady leadership.

Alyssa’s resilience, compassion, and drive embody the true spirit of the Spotlight Award. Congratulations, Alyssa, and thank you for the incredible impact you make every day!

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William M. Maguy School of Education to Offer EPA Section 608 Certification

Beginning September 29th, the William M. Maguy School of Education will begin offering the EPA Section 608 Certification Exam on campus. The exam will be available once a month and is open to students and the general public.

For students in the Sustainable Energy Efficiency Development (SEED) program, the cost of the exam will be included as part of their tuition, ensuring that they are fully prepared and certified as they enter the workforce. For members of the public, the exam will be offered at a cost of $75.00.

The EPA Section 608 certification is an essential credential for anyone who works with systems that use refrigerants. Required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the certification ensures that technicians understand how to properly service, maintain, and dispose of equipment such as refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioning units in a safe and environmentally responsible way.

There are four types of certifications available through the exam:

• Core– Foundation to HVAC

• Type I – For small appliances (such as window AC units or refrigerators with less than 5 lbs. of refrigerant)

• Type II – For high-pressure appliances (including most residential and commercial AC and heating systems)

• Type III – For low-pressure appliances (such as chillers)

This new offering provides a valuable opportunity for both students and community members to gain the credentials needed to advance their careers while helping protect the environment.

If you or someone you know would like to register for the exam, please call (559) 471-4550 for more information.

Truck Driving Program Continues to

Pave Pathways to Success

The William M. Maguy School of Education is proud to announce the graduation of our 14th Truck Driving Class of the year. This milestone marks another group of students who have completed the intensive program and are now ready to take the next step toward a rewarding career in the trucking industry.

A total of 7 students successfully completed the six-week course, dedicating themselves to more than 240 hours of hands-on training and classroom instruction. With this achievement, they are now eligible to take the Class A Driver’s License exam at the DMV, opening the door to opportunities in a high-demand field that helps keep our communities and economy moving.

The graduation ceremony was a time of pride and celebration as family, friends, and instructors gathered to honor the students’ hard work and determination. Each graduate was recognized for their commitment to completing the program, many balancing personal and professional responsibilities along the way.

At the William M. Maguy School of Education, we believe in creating pathways to success, and our Truck Driving Program continues to change lives by preparing students for stable, well-paying careers. We extend our warmest congratulations to this graduating class and look forward to seeing them on the road to success!

Bringing Art to Life:

The London Mural Project

This August, the London Mural Project began its journey of creativity, culture, and community. Led by Proteus, Inc.’s Eddie Reveles, the four-week workshop is more than an art class—it’s an opportunity for participants to discover their voices through art and leave a lasting mark on their town.

The first session welcomed over 10 participants, beginning with an introduction to art and art history before diving into hands-on creativity. Each participant selected an image and transformed it into a canvas painting, sparking excitement for what’s to come.

Thanks to a grant from the United Way of Tulare County, this project extends beyond the classroom. Participants will soon visit two San Francisco museums, gaining a deeper appreciation for the role art plays in shaping our world.

The project will culminate in a powerful act of community pride: a collaborative mural on the wall of a local supermarket—turning a blank space into a vibrant reflection of London’s spirit.

Residents Connect with Tulare County Leaders at London Town Hall

On August 27th, the London Community Center welcomed several Tulare County departments for a community town hall meeting. Representatives from the Fire Department, Sheriff’s Department, Resource Management Agency, Animal Services, Library, and Health & Human Services Agency were present to share updates and answer questions. Tulare County Board of Supervisors and Proteus, Inc. Board Member Eddie Valero also joined the event, offering remarks and listening to community concerns. The town hall provided residents with a valuable opportunity to connect directly with county leaders and voice their needs.

Back-to-School Haircuts Bring

Smiles to London

The London Community Center hosted its annual Back-to-School Free Haircut Day this August, helping kids start the school year looking and feeling their best.

In total, 36 children and a few adults received free haircuts during the event. The tradition began four years ago when barber Jay Guadarrama, a former London youth participant, wanted to give back to the community that once supported her. Since then, Jay has brought together other local barbers to volunteer their time and skills, making the event a true community effort.

For families, the fresh cuts mean more than just a new look—it’s a boost of confidence and one less worry as the school year begins. The London Community Center continues to play a vital role in offering these kinds of opportunities, reminding us how small acts of care can create a lasting impact.

Proteus Success Story:

Luis Antonio Rodriguez Soto

With determination and the support of Proteus, Luis Antonio turned his dream into reality—now driving a semi-truck and building the brighter future he always imagined.

Spotlight Award: Connie Huerta

Each month, Proteus celebrates a team member who goes above and beyond through our Spotlight Award. This month’s theme was Community Hero, and we are thrilled to announce that London Community Center Coordinator, Connie Huerta, has been selected as this month’s honoree!

With a population of just 1,700, the community of London has limited supportive services—but thanks to Connie, the London Center has been a place of hope and connection for the past 20 years. Her dedication shows in everything she does, from planning more than 20 events each year, such as Pancakes with Santa, the Easter Egg Hunt, and the beloved Summer Night Lights, to securing grants that open new doors for local youth. Connie has taken kids on unforgettable trips to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and San Francisco museums, providing experiences many would never have otherwise.

Connie’s passion and commitment have made her a guiding light for London’s youth, helping them build memories, opportunities, and brighter futures. She has truly been a rock in the community—and her love for the people she serves shines through every project, event, and moment of care.

We are so proud to recognize Connie with the Community Hero Spotlight Award. It’s a perfect honor for someone whose heart and hard work continue to make such a lasting difference.

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