NFJP Adult Participant Success Story: Driving Change – How Perseverance and Partnership Open New Roads for Agricultural Workers

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At the Truck Driving Institute, two Proteus participants are proving that hard work and determination can open new doors. Matthew and Brenton, two young men from the same county, are taking their CDL training together through the National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP) Proteus, Inc., and in the process, have built a friendship rooted in shared experiences and big dreams.


Both men come from farming backgrounds, where long days, unpredictable weather, and physical labor taught them the meaning of perseverance. That same work ethic now drives them as they commute every day to complete their training. They found Proteus through TDI’s referrals and quickly learned how the program helps agricultural workers gain new skills and access higher-paying, stable jobs.


For Matthew, the motivation is his daughter. He’s determined to create a better life for her, one where he can provide, grow, and set an example of resilience and love. Brenton, meanwhile, has his sights set on continuing in the agriculture industry, but this time at a higher pay scale. His goal is to build a career that honors his roots while opening the door to greater financial independence.


Standing beside them is Mike, a dedicated partner to Proteus and a true champion for agricultural workers. Mike knows the farming life well—he owns his own farm—and takes great pride in helping agricultural workers discover new opportunities. “Mike has to be one of the most unselfish people I’ve met,” said Jesusa, Proteus’s Senior Career Coach. “He always goes above and beyond for our participants, especially those who come from farming backgrounds.”


With Mike’s support, Proteus’ guidance, and their own courage, Matthew and Brenton are now preparing for the final step: completing their training and taking the CDL test. Once they pass, they’ll be ready to step into better-paying, self-sustaining careers that reflect their dedication and drive. Their story is more than just about training; it’s about community, opportunity, and the power of believing in what’s possible.

Black Hills Special Services Cooperative

Black Hills Special Services Cooperative – Success Story

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National Farmworker Jobs Program Participant Highlights

Kirby Peterson, a low-income seasonal hired-hand laborer from Cheyenne-Eagle Butte Sioux Tribe met with the National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP)Case Worker to discuss post-secondary education options.Poverty has loomed over this reservation for generations. Repeated attempts to create jobs have run into challenging obstacles including the isolated location; the area’s crumbling infrastructure; and a workforce in desperate need of training to name a few. Kirby wanted better.

Kirby wanted to obtain the skills and training in a career field of interest that were necessary to provide him with a good paying job and benefits.  Kirby’s primary source of income had been working in the cattle industry in Eagle Butte. Due to the low unemployment rate and high level of poverty in that area, his pre-program earnings at the time of enrollment were a mere $3,268. This qualified Kirby for NFJP.

Kirby’s career goal was to obtain training in the Radiologic Technology field of study, a high demand job in the state. The NFJP staff worked collaboratively with various agencies such as Native American funding sources, Low Income Energy Assistance and the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation’s workforce training program to assist Kirby in reaching his goal.  Kirby successfully completed his Associate of Applied Science Radiologic Technology degree at Mitchel Technical Institute in Mitchell, South Dakota.  He participated in an internship at the local hospital where he was able to obtain further training. Additionally, he participated in the National Radiology Technology Conference in Orlando, Florida. At the end of April of 2017, he had another opportunity to gain more skills and experience in his field of study when he attended the South Dakota Society of Radiologic Technologists (SDSRT) in Sioux Falls. Kirby is grateful for the opportunities and resources made available to him through NFJP to reach his goal. Kirby is employed full-time at the Cheyenne River Health Center.  He is enjoying his new career and looking forward to this new journey in his life. Kirby went from living in poverty earning less than $6,000 per year to earning $46,969!

Jon was a low-income farm worker, native of Corsica, SD. Throughout high school, Jon worked at a farm where he would breed sows and administer shots to the newborn piglets earning $7.25/hour. He graduated from High School in May of 2015. In the fall of 2015, Jon started school at Mitchell Technical Institute with the career goal of obtaining a degree in wind turbine technology. When asked how he came about signing up for the National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP), he indicated he saw an informational flyer posted at the school and decided to look further into it. Jon called the number and the case manager visited with him and determined Jon was eligible for the program.

Jon knew once he entered college, he would be financially strapped and was uncertain how he would be able to pay bills and stay in school. Signing up for the NFJP program helped Jon financially and in turn,be successful in school.  Jon stated,“it was a stress reliever and it helped me focus more on my school work and grades.”

NFJP provided Jon with financial support for gas, rent, groceries, and student stipends.This assistance was a significant contributing factor in helping Jon reach his goal, graduating with high honors. Jon is now currently working at MA Mortenson Company,a wind blade repair company, earning $20 per hour and working 10 to 12 hours a day.

Jon’s five year goal is to go back to school for his bachelor’s degree in sustainable management. He wishes to one day run his own construction business and possibly own his own hog farm as well.

Arkansas Human Development Corporation – Success Story

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Oscar Ferretiz is truly a success story. He was working for Rancho Jose in Foreman Arkansas making $250.00 dollars per week, feeding chickens and repairing fences. Oscar Ferretiz pick up a flyer from Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas that described the National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP) and thought he might be eligible. Oscar contacted Arkansas Human Development Corporation (AHDC’s) Office in Hope, Arkansas, where he met AHDC Employment Specialist Maria Ramirez. Oscar’s goal was to earn a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and become a Truck Driver. After completing his application and enrolling him into the NFJP and hearing about his goals, Maria Ramirez arranged for AHDC to pay for his tuition and fees for CDL training at Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas in Nashville, Arkansas. According to his needs assessment, he lacked transferrable work skills and was challenged by math. He started training August 7, 2017 and completed training August 31, 2017. On September 11, 2017 Oscar Ferretiz landed employment with Buster Roberts Logging, Inc.in Dierks Arkansas. Oscar began making $15.00 an hour with benefits and working at least 40 hour per week. He is earning significantly more than what he was earning on the farm. Oscar stated, “If it wasn’t for Arkansas Human Development Corporation, I would not have been able to provide a better life for my family. AHDC helped me succeed and was with me every step. Thanks to AHDC I accomplished a lifelong goal.”

NFJP Success Story

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