GOODWILL AT WORK - Goodwill Central Texas
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QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER | 2017
GOODWILL AT WORK CHANGING THE FACE OF CENTRAL TEXAS
SPOTLIGHT
RAYMON PAVES A PATH TO SUCCESS!
When Raymon was little he dreamed of being
a motivational speaker. Earlier this year, at the
age of 43, he achieved his dream when he spoke
at the Texas State Capital to help Goodwill
pass legislation providing individuals who were
recently released from incarceration with more
educational and career training opportunities.
But Raymon had to overcome many obstacles on
his path to success.
Continue Raymon’s story inside...
PG. 2 PG. 3 PG. 4 PG. 5
A Message from the Spotlight: Raymon Texas Workforce H-E-B on the Job with
President and CEO paves a path to success Commission awards Summer Youth
(continued) self sufficiency grant
A M E S SAG E F RO M
T H E P R E S I D E N T & C EO
Dear Central Texans,
At Goodwill Central Texas, we proudly serve those in our community with obstacles
to employment. And we know that people with disabilities often face tough
challenges when finding meaningful work.
We’ve developed employer partnerships and training programs in Central Texas
that empower those with disabilities to get and retain good jobs. But many
communities in our country, and all around the world, need guidance when creating
an employment structure that encourages and rewards people with disabilities for
their participation in the workforce.
That’s why I’m thrilled to have been elected as President to the Volunteer Board
of Workability International (WI), a collection of members representing more than
40 countries and serving over 3 million people across the globe. WI represents
providers of work and employment services, and connects them with organizations
committed to opening employment access to people with disabilities.
And like Goodwill, WI doesn’t just want to get people hired. Member organizations
strive to maximize future opportunities for people with disabilities – to create a
meaningful path for career advancement once they have a job.
If I’ve learned anything through my work with WI, it’s that people look at
opportunity and advancement for individuals with disabilities differently all around
the world. But when we come together and share ideas, there’s a real give-and-take
in what we can learn from each other - everyone benefits.
We’ll continue our efforts to empower people with disabilities right here in Central
Texas, and we look forward to working with you to ensure that every person who
wants to work, has the opportunity to work.
In Partnership,
J E R RY
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SPOTLIGHT
RAYMON PAVES A PATH
TO SUCCESS! (continued)
Raymon was a straight-A student in grade school with an optimistic outlook and
a bright future. Before his 17th birthday, his father went to prison, and he lost his
only sibling when his sister passed away. A once motivated teenager collapsed
in on himself and Raymon found himself in prison before he had even finished
high school.
Goodwill has been like a family.
I now see the best in me, because
Goodwill saw the best in me!
While in prison, Raymon was determined to change his life.
He earned his GED, took some self-help courses, and began
attending church regularly. But even after his release, he couldn’t
earn enough to support a family – that’s when Raymon came to
Goodwill.
With the help of his Career Case Manager, he learned to write
a resumé, got financial literacy help, contacted a career mentor,
and completed his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training
to earn his commercial license. Raymon received three job offers
after completing his CDL training, and today, he works for Lauren
Concrete making $17.50 per hour! His supervisor Markeith says
“He’s trying to do something positive not just for himself but for
everybody in the community.”
Raymon has improved his life and strengthened his family.
He hopes to help others create their own path to success by
mentoring individuals recently released from prison. Raymon
says confidently, “Goodwill has been like a family. I now see the
best in me, because Goodwill saw the best in me!”
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T E X AS WO R K FO RC E
CO M M I S S I O N AWA R DS
S E L F S U F F I C I E N CY G RA N T
At Goodwill, we empower Central Texans to transform their
lives through work. And, the Goodwill Career &
Technical Academy (GCTA) plays a key role by
providing students with the technical certifications
needed to enter the Central Texas job market.
Earlier this year, the Texas Workforce Commission
awarded a Self Sufficiency Fund Grant to assist
individuals in getting technical credentials in one
of two career “stacks” – healthcare and information
technology. Participants in this program qualify to get
multiple technical certifications within their chosen
field, thus enabling students to enter their career
pathway with a broader knowledge of their industry.
Austin expects an estimated 60,000 job openings
in “middle-skills” careers by 2021. The students
supported by this grant will qualify to enter some of
the middle-skills careers right away! Commissioner Julian Alvarez signs the
$307,499 Self Sufficiency Fund Grant check
from The Texas Workforce Commission
T H A N K YO U TO T E X AS WO R K FO RC E
CO M M I S S I O N FO R H E L P I N G
G O O DW I L L BU I L D A WO R K FO RC E
O F E XC E L L E N C E !
For costume & DIY ideas visit
GOODWILLCENT RALT EXAS.ORG/HALLOWEEN
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H E B O N -T H E-J O B
W I T H S U M M E R YO U T H
Each summer, H-E-B employs about 40 youth with disabilities
in their stores, through the “Earn and Learn” Summer Youth
Employment Program. Youth ages 14 to 22 work at local
H-E-B locations for five weeks during the summer, gaining
work experience and a paycheck that sets them on a path to
developing a career.
Many of the young people in this program are entering the
workforce for the very first time. They get hands-on training,
and practice important workplace skills like: customer service,
problem-solving at work, the importance of attendance, and
managing transportation to and from work. John Nunez, Store
Manager of the Mueller H-E-B says, “It’s great for the youth to
come get real life experience. They show up punctual and with
a good attitude.”
We are grateful to H-E-B for their enduring partnership and
for empowering youth with disabilities in Central Texas. We’re
already looking forward to next summer!
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$
raising $160,000 FOR THE YOUTH OF CENTRAL TEXAS
Working For Youth funds youth employment programs, career-readiness
training, high school completion, and paid internships.
DONATEI N - STO R E & O N L I N E
G O O DW I L LC E N T RA LT E X AS .O RG / W F Y
TAKE SECOND FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH | 9:30AM - 10:30AM
THE
the
Real Take our one-hour behind the scenes Real Goodwill Tour, and
GOODWILL
TOUR! you’ll see that we’re more than a store! Register online at
realgoodwill.org or call 512.637.7159.
®
THANK YOU
to our 22nd Annual
Hall of Honor
Sponsors!
Thank you for celebrating people in our CELEBRATION
community who are transforming their
lives through education and work.
We couldn’t do it without you. George R. Somerville III
RCS TI NFORMATION
ECHNOLOGY, INC
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