The goal to place New Mexicans in stable community based employment is what pushes Goodwill’s staff to always strive for the best.  Workforce Development Director Valerie McGlasson, recently shared this story about a program participant who epitomizes the definition of success:

“Ernesto is a shining example of a determined individual’s commitment to employment success.  When he arrived at Goodwill Industries of New Mexico, he provided information on his homelessness, poverty, and difficulty in finding employment.   He also shared his recent success in achieving his high school diploma at the age of 21.   Ernesto had always worked day labor jobs and after earning his diploma wanted to move away from that type of work in order to seem more stable employment.  He also shared that his desire to earn enough money so he could have a place to live, buy monthly bus passes and send money to family in El Paso.  Ernesto always wore a smile and was never heard complaining about the cards life dealt to him.  After joining our Gateway To Work program and completing the Employment Basics class, he met weekly with his job developer, followed up on all job leads given and acquired job skills with our retail TrialWorks program.

I’m happy to report that Ernesto was offered full-time employment at a doctor’s office providing maintenance work.  Since his placement, he’s visited the Goodwill office with roses and donuts for the staff as a token of appreciation for those who helped him along the way.  He confidently told me that because of the programs, services and support from Goodwill’s staff he was able to succeed.  He also said that he is very grateful to Goodwill and looks forward to a brighter future.”