Community Service
My Work — Jobs, Income & Bills
ONLINE ONLY · Opens Mon 8am

I Need a Job,
Income & Help

With My Bills

You need income. We help you get it — and keep it. Tell us where you are right now and we'll show you the fastest path forward. No lecture about what happened. No checklist you have to complete first. Just real, practical help from people who know exactly how this works.You need income. We help you get it — and keep it. Real help. No lecture. No checklist.

No Job, No Income
One Honest Question
Work — Ready To Do Something About It Today?

Be honest — where you are right now determines what kind of help actually fits. Move the slider and we'll show you exactly what's right for your level.Move the slider. Be honest — what you pick determines what kind of help actually fits.

EFFORT — ENERGY — ACTION — TIME

ExploreLowMediumHigh
Not Ready

Your Path Forward
Help That Fits You

Based on your chosen level of readiness, here are your options — because the right help is better than too much help.

24/7 Virtually
🧠
I'm not sure what I need yet
Start here. No pressure. No person watching. Think it through at your own pace — the Virtual Assistant helps you sort the steps before you talk to anyone.
Start the Chat
3 Min — Emailed List
📬
I know what I need — just send the info
You've got this. We'll send you exactly what you need and get out of your way. Worksheets, checklists, local resources — right to your inbox.
Send Me the Help
Contact attempt · selected intakes
🤝
My situation is complicated
Housing, health, legal issues, and unhealthy habits — all tangled together. You don't need a session, you need a navigator who stays with you. This is the high-support track.
Get A Navigator
This Week — In Person
🧭
I'm ready to make a plan & do the work
This is for people ready to move. You'll sit down 1-on-1 with a career coach, map your exact situation, and leave with a real plan — but you have to show up ready to work.
My Work Session
Unlock Tools When You Are Ready
What's Stopping You?
Pack Your Work Bag
Build Your Resume
A Job Will Fix Everything. Right?
The More You Make The More They Take
Ready to Learn, Earn or Intern?
What's Actually Affecting Your Work
Which Kind of Work Fits Me?
What We Do in a My Work Session?

Choose a practical next step at your own pace. Employment outcomes vary.

Help Is Hope · Practical employment support

We Hear You
What's Stopping You?

Tap what's in your way. We have a real answer for every one of these.

My record keeps knocking me out of every job
There are employers who hire people with records — and we know who they are. Second-chance employers in the Central Valley actively recruit people coming out of incarceration or with criminal backgrounds. We've built those relationships. We also help you understand what employers can legally ask, what you're required to disclose, and how to frame your story in a way that's honest and works in your favor. You don't have to hide — you learn how to position. See What's Actually Affecting Your Work
I don't have a resume & I don't know how to start
You don't need one to walk in — we'll build it with you, right here. The Resume Builder on this page is made specifically for people with gaps, records, and non-traditional work history. If you've cooked, driven, cleaned, caregiving, or survived — that is experience. We translate what you've done into language employers respect. No degree required. No previous resume required. Just show up or use the tool on this page. Open the Resume Builder
I've tried getting jobs before & always hit the same wall
Trying the same approach gets the same result — we change the approach. We don't do generic job listings and hope one sticks. We figure out which employers across Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Merced Counties actually fit your situation, what's been blocking you, and how to get past it. If the wall is your background, we navigate that. If it's gaps, we fix the story. If it's no ID, no phone, or no clothes for an interview — we solve that first. Find What Kind of Work Actually Fits You
I'm embarrassed about how far behind my bills are
Every person who comes to us carries some version of that shame — so do our navigators. They've been there too. We are not going to judge you for a shutoff notice, a stack of debt, or a bank account that's overdrawn. What we will do is look at your real numbers without flinching and figure out which bills to pay first, what programs can cover the gap, and what "manageable" actually looks like for your situation. The embarrassment does not have to stop you anymore. Sort Your Mail — Know What's Actually Urgent
I'm scared that getting help will cause more problems
Help Is Hope is a peer-led nonprofit — we don't report to probation, CPS, or immigration just because you asked for help. We work on your side, not the system's side. If you have specific concerns about how getting help might affect your supervision or case, we talk through that privately before you take any steps. You deserve to know what's actually a risk and what isn't. Information first — then you decide what to do with it.
We answer every question
Reality Check
A Job Will Fix Everything. Right?

That thought is keeping you going. Hold onto it. Let's look a little closer.

A new door is opening
What does a job actually fix?
↑ tap the door to open it
🏚️
"Work will get me — or keep me — off the streets."
Tap to pick
Your vision says
"One paycheck and I get a place. Keys in my hand. Safe at last."
💊
"Work will keep me out of trouble."
Tap to pick
Your vision says
"A job keeps me too busy and tired. No time for that. I'll be a new person."
📄
"I will be able to pay all my bills and have no worries."
Tap to pick
Your vision says
"Money coming in. All the late notices stop. I can breathe again."
💛
"My worries, problems, and relationships will get better."
Tap to pick
Your vision says
"A job gives me purpose. I'll finally feel like myself. The people around me will see the change."
Your Real Power-Up
Pack Your Work Bag

Tap everything you already have. Then we'll show you what's needed, what's helpful, and what we can help you get.

🎒
0 needed
0 optional
Needed
Optional
0 packed
tap items below to add
Mail Triage
The More You Make The More They Take

When you're overwhelmed, every envelope looks like a threat. Most aren't. Hit the button and we'll show you what's actually urgent.

pile of mail — tap the button below to sort
Red Zone — Open Today 0
Triggers action in 24–72 hrs
What to do
Call the number on the notice. Say: "I received this and I need help — what is the earliest payment arrangement available?" One call stops 80% of escalations.
Yellow Zone — This Week 0
Needs a response within 7–14 days
What to do
Don't ignore — write the date on the envelope, stack them together, and bring them to your next session. We'll work through them with you.
Green Zone — Good News 0
Benefits, approvals, documents to keep
What to do
File these in a safe place — they are your proof of income, benefits, and housing. You will need them for applications.
Grey Zone — Trash It 0
Junk mail, scams, and predatory offers
What to do
Shred anything with your name and address. Never call numbers from unsolicited mail. If a letter promises fast cash or threatens arrest — it is a scam.
⚖️
Superior Court
Stanislaus County
NOTICE TO APPEAR

You are required to appear in court
regarding Case No. 2024-CV-08841
Failure to appear may result in warrant
COURT SUMMONS
🏠
Property Mgmt Group
Modesto, CA 95354
3-DAY NOTICE
TO PAY OR QUIT

Amount Due: $1,450.00
You have 3 days to pay or vacate
EVICTION NOTICE
PG&E
Pacific Gas & Electric
⚡
FINAL NOTICE
Service Disconnection
Scheduled: 5 days
Balance Due: $387.42
SHUTOFF NOTICE
IRS
Internal Revenue Service
Dept. of Treasury
NOTICE CP2000

We're proposing changes
to your tax return.
Response required: 60 days
IRS
SEAL
💳
Midland Credit Mgmt
Collections Dept.
NOTICE OF DEBT

Original Creditor: Chase Bank
Amount Owed: $2,140.00
Account sent to collections
DEBT
COL
👶
Stanislaus County DCSS
Child Support Services
CHILD SUPPORT ORDER

Monthly Obligation: $320
Arrears Balance: $1,920
Respond within 20 days
CSE
DCSS
PAY STUB — KEEP THIS
💵
Earnings Statement
Pay Period: 11/01–11/15
Gross Pay: $1,240.00
Federal Tax: -$124.00
FICA: -$94.86
Net Pay: $1,021.14
INCOME PROOF
BENEFITS — KEEP THIS
✅
CalFresh Approval
Case No. CF-2024-441892
Monthly Benefit: $291
Effective: Dec 1, 2024
Renewal: June 2025
EBT Card mailed separately
BENEFITS PROOF
HOUSING DOC — KEEP THIS
🏠
Rental Agreement
Unit: 412B Oak Avenue
Lease Term: 12 months
Monthly Rent: $950
Start Date: Jan 1, 2025
Security Deposit: $950
HOUSING PROOF
PRE-APPROVED OFFER
💳
First Premier Bank
"You're Pre-Approved!"
34.99% APR JUNK
IMPORTANT NOTICE
🚗
Vehicle Service Corp
"Your warranty expired!"
SCAM — TRASH IT
URGENT — ACT NOW
⚠️
IRS Tax Relief Center
"You owe back taxes!"
SCAM — DO NOT CALL
Work Fit Finder
Which Kind of Work Fits Me?

Answer a few questions about how you work, what you've done, and what fits your life right now. We'll show you which industries in the Central Valley are actually a match for you — no record judgment, no runaround.

Ready to apply with a navigator? Get A Navigator
Resume Builder
Build Your Resume

Skills-first format built for people with real history. Updates live. Download as PDF. Or let us write it for you.

Before We Build — One Question

Do any of these describe gaps in your work history? Select all that apply — or skip below if none apply.

🏛️
Incarceration
/ Time Inside
💊
Unhealthy
Habits
🧠
Mental
Health
♿
Disability
or Illness
⛺
Homeless
ness
⏱️
Long-Term
Unemployment
🤲
Unpaid
Caregiver
💵
Odd Jobs
/ Cash Work
The Resilience Resume Builder
Built For Your Story
Your resume is the ONLY thing standing between you & the job you deserve.
The Resilience Resume Builder is the first and only resume service designed specifically for people like you — formerly incarcerated, working on unhealthy habits, unhoused, managing mental health, navigating disability, or facing any barrier traditional resume writers don't understand or handle well.
Costs less than a tank of gas — professionally written, ATS-optimized, dignity-first
Standard Resume Builders
Tell you to hide your story — which makes employers MORE suspicious
Use shame language that screams "red flag" to any reader
Generic templates that fail automated ATS screening
Charge $100–$300+ for advice that doesn't work for your reality
Leave your gaps unexplained and suspicious-looking
The Resilience Resume Builder
Turns your barriers into competitive advantages using "Resilience Reframe" strategy
ATS-optimized so you actually get seen by hiring managers
Gives you exact words to explain gaps with confidence and dignity
Professionally written — you don't have to figure out the language yourself
Costs less than a tank of gas
⭐
Want it done for you?

With your history, the Resilience Resume Builder will get you further than this form alone. It costs less than a tank of gas and is professionally written for people with gaps.

01
Your Info
02
Your Skills
03
Work History
04
Your Story
ATS Keyword Strength
0 / 10
Add skills on Step 2 to increase your score. Most employers use automated scanners — the more relevant keywords you have, the better.
Nothing you enter here is sent or stored. Builds locally in your browser only.
Focus on reliability and what you bring. Don't mention your record or gaps here.
Select every skill that applies to you. Each one builds your ATS score and appears on your resume. More is better.
Hands-On, Trade & Labor
Forklift
Warehouse
Loading / Unloading
Inventory
Order Picking
Driving (Class C)
Driving (Class A/B)
Delivery / Routes
Construction Labor
Concrete / Masonry
Carpentry / Framing
Drywall
Painting
Roofing
Plumbing
Basic Electrical
HVAC
Landscaping
Tree Work
Farm / Ag Labor
Equipment Operation
Vehicle Maintenance
Welding
Janitorial
Commercial Cleaning
Kitchen / Food Prep
Line Cook
Food Safety
Moving / Heavy Lifting
Manufacturing / Assembly
Fast Food / QSR
Drive-Thru
Food Packaging / Production
Sorting / Grading
Pallet Jack / Hand Truck
Warehouse Picker
Night Shift / Overnight
Seasonal / Temp Work
Uber / Lyft Driver
DoorDash / Instacart
TaskRabbit / Gig Work
Moving / Furniture Help
Handyman / Odd Jobs
Car Wash / Auto Detail
House Cleaning
Lawn Mowing / Yard Work
People, Service & Communication
Customer Service
Cash Handling / POS
Sales
Retail
Front Desk / Reception
Phone / Call Center
Team Leadership
Training Others
Supervising Staff
Community Outreach
Peer Support
Case Management
Childcare
Babysitting
Nanny
After-School Care
Dog Walking / Pet Sitting
Home Care / CNA
Senior / Elder Care
Bilingual EN/ES
Written Communication
Security
Server / Waiter
Bartending
Barista
Hotel / Hospitality
Stocking / Receiving
Visual Merchandising
Thrift / Donation Sort
Event Setup
Volunteer Coordination
Conflict Resolution
Field / Door-to-Door Sales
Phone Sales
Insurance / Finance Sales
Real Estate Support
Technology, Office & Digital Skills
Basic Computer
Word / Google Docs
Excel / Sheets
Email / Scheduling
Data Entry
Social Media
Graphic Design / Canva
POS / Inventory Software
Bookkeeping
Filing / Records
AI Tools (ChatGPT, Claude)
Microsoft Office Suite
Google Workspace
QuickBooks
CRM Software
Project Mgmt Software
Fast Typing
Zoom / Video Calls
Photo / Video Editing
Website Management
Basic Coding / HTML
Medical Office Software
EHR / Medical Records
Payroll Systems (ADP)
Shipping Software
Work Style & Personal Strengths
Reliability
Punctuality
Fast Learner
Under Pressure
Problem Solving
Physical Stamina
Safety Awareness
Self-Directed
Detail-Oriented
Multi-Tasking
Follows Procedures
Flexible Availability
Coachable
Budget Management
Hiring / Onboarding
Performance Reviews
Opening / Closing
Compliance
Project Coordination
Vendor Communication
Grant Writing
Curriculum / Lesson Planning
Coaching / Tutoring
Public Speaking
Nonprofit Management
Life Experience — Translated for Employers
Your real history, reframed in professional language
Survived Homelessness
Changing Unhealthy Habits
Family Caregiver
Navigating Reentry
Odd Jobs / Cash Work
Managing Disability
Managing Mental Health
Re-Entering Workforce
Add up to 3 entries. Informal work, gig work, and self-employment all count.
Gap language — click to insert into any entry
Incarceration gap: Title = "Personal Development Period" · Bullets ready above.
Your Story in One Sentence
What would you want an employer to know about you that your resume can't show? This goes in your resume as a featured quote — something no automated scanner can ignore.
This is the one thing employers remember. It doesn't have to be perfect — it has to be honest.
Building your resume...
resume-builder — analyzing profile
Live
Fill in the form to see your profile build in real time
Want help filling this out? My Work Session
What to Expect
What We Do in a
My Work Session?

We're a nonprofit — but we don't waste your time or ours.

We invest the deepest help in people who are ready to move. If you're not there yet, we still have real tools for you — no judgment.

You work 1-on-1 with a career coach — tap each stage to see what we cover.

STAGE 01 No Income — Need Work
  • Second-chance employer matching — who's hiring in the Central Valley right now
  • Handling the background check question — what to say and when to say it
  • Emergency income options — day labor, gig work, immediate cash resources
  • Resume and application support — we build or review it with you
  • Hope Works referral — our job placement program with partner employers
STAGE 02 Working But Still Behind
  • Income vs bills gap analysis — figure out exactly what's short
  • Utility shutoff prevention — HEAP, LIHEAP, PG&E Baseline Allowance
  • Benefits you're not using — CalFresh, Lifeline phone, low-cost insurance
  • Debt validation and collections — letters that protect you under federal law
  • Higher-paying job options — we match you to better opportunities
STAGE 03 Building Toward Stability
  • Income building plan — certifications, trade programs, wage progression
  • Record clearing navigation — expungements and Prop 47 relief where available
  • Benefits maximization — stacking income supports that stay as you grow
  • Long-term employer partnerships — employers who promote from within

We are career coaches, Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists, and Community Health Workers. We navigate the system with you, advocate for your needs, and connect you to community partners for clinical care. We are not medical professionals. We provide peer support and system navigation, not medical advice or treatment.