A loan helped to furnish a classroom and purchase equipment.


Mario's story

Mario served in the Air Force from 1984 to 1988 and made his career in law enforcement. He was a deputy sheriff, municipal police officer, and federal agent.

Mario lost his job during the recession, financially devastating his family and destroying his credit. Over the following years, he decided to build on his military and law enforcement experience; he trained to become a firearms and security guard instructor. He is certified by California to provide training to others wishing to enter the security field.

Mario decided to establish the National Justice Training Center to help veterans put their military experience to work and become trained security guards. He will also help them find employment as security guards and re-integrate back into the community. In helping them support their families, he'll be supporting his own. The center will train non-veterans and will also provide basic firearms training to the public. Currently, Fresno has only one other security guard training provider.

Mario was unable to obtain a bank loan due to his credit issues. He sought help at the local Small Business Administration office which referred him to Fresno CDFI. He needs this loan to furnish a classroom and buy training equipment and other supplies. Fresno CDFI is strongly encouraged by Mario's tenacity, strong business plan, and mission to help other veterans find jobs.



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Loan details