From making fries to saving lives: SFCC student finds his purpose in Human Services

Tom Vimont, a 64-year-old SFCC student pursuing academic credentials in Human Services, said he realized about three years ago that he wanted a career where he could help other people. He had worked for decades in the restaurant business.  “I was really good in my work in the restaurant business and I enjoyed it, but it was time for a change. My catchphrase is that I’ve gone from making fries to saving lives.”

Vimont said he struggled with issues related to alcohol and drug abuse and is now completely invested in his recovery journey. “I have so much gratitude for all who helped me that I want to help others.”

Through his participation in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), he started leading AA meetings at the county jail and state prison. “I realized I had a gift. I could tell that the people at the jail and prison were responding to me and that I was making a difference. I could see I was giving them hope.”

Determined to earn credentials to help him realize his goal of becoming a drug and alcohol counselor, he visited SFCC to explore options. Both Academic Advisor Jonathan Harrell and Faculty Member Carlos Balladares, who leads the Human Services academic program, encouraged him and helped him map out his educational path. “I started out really slow at first,” Vimont said. “I wasn’t sure how I’d do after being away from college for so long. But to my surprise I started earning As.”

He is studying to earn both a certificate in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling and an Associate of Arts degree in Human Services. He plans to graduate with both credentials in May 2026. The certificate provides the academic requirements toward becoming a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC) in New Mexico. That along with a minimum of an associate’s degree in a social/behavioral science and a specified amount (currently 3,000 hours) of supervised clinical hours are required to be eligible for licensure. He will also need to pass a state board exam.

Balladares, the Human Services program’s lead instructor said, “He is a very committed student with a passion for the profession, who has done well academically. SFCC provides the academic background that can support his goals. I meet with many people in the Human Services program who are looking to make a career change, and the college is here to help them.”

In this season of gratitude, Vimont profusely expresses his thanks not only for the staff and faculty, but also for the support services he has accessed. He has gotten assistance from the Tutoring Center, Financial Aid Office and the Wellness Center. Through his studies in the Human Services program, he has also learned the value of self-care, and he regularly visits the college’s fitness center to help reduce stress and stay healthy.

The college’s flexible scheduling is key to his ability to pursue his dreams while also juggling two jobs related to his studies. He takes many of his classes online, but he recognized his own need to take an in-person math class this semester. This fall, he didn’t work on Wednesdays so he could attend the math class and tutoring sessions for his Spanish class.

He is gaining experience on the job at the Santa Fe Recovery as both a medical associate (who can help distribute medicines for medically assisted treatment) and a residential service assistant (who assists clients through their day in getting to appointments and making sure they are safe). “The Santa Fe Recovery Center allows me to work at all three facilities. So, I work at the residential men’s facility, residential women’s facility, and the detox facility. It’s great to be working where I get experience working with people of all demographics. This experience along with what I’m learning at the college will help me to ultimately become a good counselor.”

He’s also experiencing personal growth through his job working with Esperanza (domestic violence shelter) as the community outreach and education director. A former Esperanza client, he first gave back to the organization as a volunteer.  He then was offered the job he now has. He sets up information tables at schools, pueblos, festivals and events. “It’s great because I’m getting the chance to develop my interpersonal skills, as well as for my professional development.”

Like many SFCC students, he’s learned to juggle his academic studies while working. It can be a lot to balance. Vimont faces it all with optimism and passion.

“I finally just found my cause, my purpose. If you work in Human Services and you are emotionally and spiritually connected to what you’re doing it brings great joy. I’m so happy in what I’m doing right now. Sometimes I wonder, ‘Why did it take me so long to get here?’ But then I realize I had to have my journey to get to the place where I was ready and had the emotional intelligence and the maturity and experience in my own recovery journey to give back to others and become a role model,” Vimont said.

SFCC is happy to be part of his life’s journey. Balladares said, “The Human Services program teaches students strategies to help themselves through self-care. Then it’s exciting to hear about our students and graduates who are bringing what they’ve learned to help so many others. They are impacting other people’s lives. Ultimately, they become role models in our community.”

To learn more about the program, visit the Human Services program page or contact Carlos Balladares at 505-428-1882 or carlos.balladares@sfcc.edu.