Wayfinders at Fresno State

Part of learning about transition is exploring the wide variety of careers and opportunities available in our community. We want to give a huge thank you to Lithia Subaru Fresno for welcoming us on a tour of their worksite!

Who knew how many different jobs it takes to keep a business running? From customer service and sales to technicians, parts specialists, and management, every role plays an important part.

Career development is all about discovering your options, building awareness of different career paths, and finding opportunities that match your interests and strengths. The more we explore, the more possibilities we find! 🚗✨

Where are they now, Wednesday!! Wayfinders Alumni Spotlight: Ian Harvat
Q: Where do you live now and what have you been doing since you left Wayfinders?
I live at Palazzo with another Wayfinders alumni. I got a job at Crow & Wolf, with help from the WAVE program. I work 4 days a week. I bus tables, I restock cups, check the bathrooms, and fill the dishwasher. I love the people there and they really like me.

Q: What do you miss most about Wayfinders?
I miss the coaches and volunteering at the foodbank and the RIDE foundation.
Q: What was the greatest thing you learned while at Wayfinders?
The greatest thing I learned was how to be independent.
Q: What advice would you give to our new students about to start at Wayfinders?

I would tell them it is okay be nervous and you will get used to the program if you give 100% in everything you do.

Q: What have been your greatest successes since leaving Wayfinders?
My greatest success has been getting hired at Crow & Wolf and working with people I really like.

One of the major milestones in the transition to adulthood is signing a lease and securing a place to call home. At Wayfinders, we help students develop the skills and confidence needed to navigate this important step—from putting en to paper on that new lease and budgeting for monthly expenses to becoming respectful roommates and successful members of their communities. 🏠🔑

Future Planning Friday! 🎓✨

Throughout May and June, our students participate in a series of workshops focused on planning for life after Wayfinders. These sessions introduce students to the services, supports, and opportunities available to help them achieve their goals after graduation.

We're grateful to welcome guest speakers from organizations such as Adjoin and College to Career, who share valuable information and resources with our students. By connecting directly with community partners, students can explore their options, ask questions, and make informed decisions about their future.

Where are they now, Wednesday!! Wayfinders Alumni Spotlight: Edwin Perine-Mendez

Q: Where do you live now and what have you been doing since you left Wayfinders?
I currently live at Copper Beech Townhomes in Clovis. I’ve been working at Rhonda’s Fitness Center and going to school at Fresno City College as a computer science major.

Q: What do you miss most about Wayfinders?
I miss hanging out with friends during social activities while in Wayfinders.
Q: What was the greatest thing you learned while at Wayfinders?
The biggest thing I’ve learned at Wayfinders is being independent overall.
Q: What advice would you give to our new students about to start at Wayfinders?

To new students beginning at Wayfinders, I have a lot of advice: (1) learn how to manage your time using Google Calendar, (2) always reach out for help when it’s absolutely necessary, (3) pursue your dreams and passions, and (4) never forget to have fun!

Q: What have been your greatest successes since leaving Wayfinders?

Since leaving Wayfinders, my biggest successes as of today have been passing all my classes toward my computer science degree, and, more recently, landing a job as a Drop-In Mathematics Tutor at Fresno City College, beginning Fall 2026.

At Wayfinders, our participants are building the skills and confidence needed for a successful future! We work alongside our students to create a personalized transition plan that is structured, goal-oriented, and focused on THEIR dreams and goals.
Together, they explore:
🏠 Accommodation and independent living options
💼 Employment opportunities
🎓 Further education pathways
🤝 Community involvement and engagement
By identifying their ideal transition community and developing a clear plan, students are empowered to create a productive, meaningful, and fulfilling life in the setting of their choosing.
⭐ Every goal starts with a plan, and every plan starts with a vision for the future.

A Semester in Review: Art
As we close out the semester, here's a look at some of the classes Wayfinders students took this spring. This semester, students Colin, Alex, and Jonathan had the opportunity to learn about and practice the techniques and skills of Watercolor. They even got to display their work in the Conely Art exhibition space! A special thanks to the faculty of the School of Art, Design, and Art History for making this semester memorable!

A Semester in Review: Animal Science
As we close out the semester, here's a look at some of the classes Wayfinders students took this spring. This semster our students in Animal Science classes had the opportunity to volunteer at the local Fresno Bully Rescue as part of their coursework. Students got the chance to do some hands-on learning about the theraputic bond between people and animals, while also getting to share some love with local rescue dogs! Shoutout to the Animal Science faculty for an awesome semester!

A Semester in Review: Communication
As we close out the semester, we would like to take a moment to highlight the achievements of one of our students, Lorenza! Lorenza was the first ever Wayfinders student to join and compete with the Fresno State Debate Team. This semester, Lorenza received Forensics Award from the Communications Department for her contributions. Congrats, Lorenza and a special thanks to the Communications faculty and the Barking Bulldogs for making the semester memorable for our students!

A Semester in Review: Theatre
As we close out the semester, here's a look at some of the classes Wayfinders students took this spring. This semester, student Sam got to practice his acting skills with his professor. A special thanks to the Theatre and Dance faculty for helping our students come out of their shells and fostering thier talent! &Dance