Raquel has been focused on navigating the new changes in her life. Moving to the United States from the Dominican Republic, Raquel often faces language barriers. After gathering all the resources and utilizing the services Goodwill was able to provide to her, Raquel found a permanent, full-time job.
Tag: Hispanics
My Story: Irene Hernandez
Irene Hernandez was unemployed for 15 years while she cared for her three children at home. Then, as soon as grandchildren came into her life, she looked after them too. Now that her daughter can care for her own children, Irene decided to make positive changes in her life.
My Story: Guadalupe
At the encouragement of her close friend, Guadalupe moved from New York to Charlotte to find better opportunities and an improved lifestyle for herself and her 15-year-old daughter. Little did she know the COVID-19 pandemic would cause stay-at-home orders and hiring freezes just as they arrived.
My Story: Eulalio Martinez
Eulalio Martinez traveled 1,500 miles to move to Wisconsin, but he did not have a job lined up to sustain him when he arrived. For several weeks, he lived in his truck before moving into a local homeless shelter. One day, he walked a block away to Goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin’s Green Bay East Retail Store and Training Center, where he approached a career navigator named Dawn and asked for help. He said he was looking for someone to take a chance on him.
My Story: Dania Velazquez
Dania Velazquez knew she needed training and certifications to verify her skills and get started on her chosen career path, but her work schedule did not allow her to attend traditional classes. The first step on her journey was to attend a local hiring event, where she learned of the Goodwill Industries of Tulsa (OK) TulsaWORKS Google IT Support Professional Certificate program.
My Story: Jeanne Najar-Marez
When Jeanne Najar-Marez applied to the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) at Goodwill Industries of New Mexico (Albuquerque), she was looking for a resource to assist her with job training and employment. She had been out of the workforce for several years and had dealt with illness, homelessness and substance abuse during that time. She was on the waiting list in Bernalillo County, NM, for several months before she was able to enroll into SCSEP.
My Story: Alain Carrera
Before Alain Carrera received job training from Goodwill, he was supporting his wife and three children by working in a warehouse where he earned a nominal hourly wage. The wages barely covered the family's modest expenses. Eventually, he and his wife decided that it was time to make a change.
My Story: Jose Luis Robledo
I found myself at my lowest point when I lost my father while still in high school. As a result, I felt the burden of needing to step up and fill my father’s shoes by taking care of my mom. Unfortunately, medical issues made this difficult for me to do. Eventually, I was told I was disabled and unable to work so I attempted to get on disability income with no success.
My Story: Pablo Gaxiola
My name is Pablo Gaxiola. On August 7, 2014, I began the journey that has changed my life. Goodwill of Silicon Valley (San Jose, CA) invited me to attend an orientation for the New Opportunity Work (NOW) program. I came in unsure of what was going to happen with only the smallest bit of hope that something would change. After an initial assessment and orientation I was given a job as an administrative clerk, utilizing experience and skills I learned from spending 15 years in prison.
My Story: Tiarra Barrera
Six years ago, I was a single mother raising two young children while living in a low-income housing community. Determined to support my family, I enrolled in Goodwill’s Certified Nurse Assistant Training Program.
