Growing up in his home country, Jose’s mother would send him to buy bread, a little gift of independence that sparked his curiosity in the world of baking. When he was just 13, he started working at a bakery, learning the art of making baguettes and pan campesino.
He honed his craft for more than three decades, even as conditions in his country became more difficult for him and later, his family. But last summer, the life Jose had shaped changed dramatically.
Jose, 48, his wife, and their two young sons left behind everything they knew at home and came to Chattanooga as part of Bridge Refugee Services’ refugee resettlement program. Jose felt anxious about starting anew in an unfamiliar place, but over his long career he has developed a baker’s patience. He knows that some things just take time.
Bridge representatives met Jose and his family at the Chattanooga airport, relieving some of Jose’s stress. Over time, Megan Revis, Case Manager for the family, assisted him and his wife with paperwork and signing up for health benefits, found them a place to live, and helped to furnish it. The organization provided financial support for rent, utilities, and food. When they needed Spanish interpreters, Bridge supplied them, and, when the time came, Bridge helped Jose’s sons enroll in their new school.
The support Bridge provides helps families who arrive as refugees adjust to their new country and become self-sufficient — providing security during an uncertain time.
People like Jose “didn’t choose to have to flee their country,” said Revis. “They experienced persecution and had to seek refuge in another country, and then went through the long process of applying for refugee status, getting approved, and then making the long journey to the US, a lot of times not knowing anybody, not choosing their final destination. [Often they are] just walking out of the airport hoping that someone’s there to meet them and that housing is figured out and that they are going to have safety.”
“It’s vitally important for these services to exist,” she added.
For Jose, the support from Bridge was “a dream” that helped him feel better about his family’s new beginning. “This is something that I’m really grateful about, and I will be forever grateful,” Jose shared.
To provide for his family, Jose took a factory job in the auto industry, well outside his chosen profession. The position bolstered his family’s finances, but the work was challenging, hot, and physically strenuous. Jose asked Bridge for help finding a new job. He told Megan he was willing to do anything to support his family. But Megan knew his true passion and skill was for baking, and soon a perfect match came together.
Bridge contacted Niedlov’s Bakery & Café, an organization whose owner once worked for Bridge and that has a long history of hiring Bridge clients. The bakery staff interviewed Jose and his experience impressed them. They hired him, and Jose returned to the work that has always sustained him.
Today, Jose works five days a week at Niedlov’s, baking bread that feeds many in his adopted hometown to support his family. “The hours go by. This is something that I love,” he told Bridge.
So many people who come to the United States as refugees endure the heartbreak of not being able to continue on their original career path, making Jose’s story a success to be celebrated, Megan said.
“The ultimate goal is for our clients to become contributing members of society, to be self-sufficient, and when clients can incorporate their professional expertise, that’s just an added bonus,” she said.
Much has changed for Jose and his family since they arrived in Chattanooga. His wife also has a job, working at Pilgrim’s Pride. Their boys, ages 8 and 11, are adjusting well in school. Both Jose and his wife take English classes which Bridge provides.
Jose is grateful for Bridge’s support. “They are the ones who did everything.” he said. “They have helped us a lot. They keep on helping us, for us to keep going, and keep learning, and for us to be able to be in this country.”