Determined. Passionate. Moving Forward.
Travis* is a dedicated Goodwill employee who is building up work experience and saving to buy a car. Travis has had these goals in his sights for nearly two years and is taking steps to make them a reality.
Thanks to a community partner in Spring 2020, Travis found Goodwill and connected with the Jobs on the Outside (J.O.T.O.) program. Through working with the JOTO team, Travis learned about resume preparation, employment skills, and “put some tools in his toolbox” – as he put it – to help him prepare to get a job.
Being able to articulate his life experiences from before and during twelve years of incarceration positioned Travis to highlight his strengths in job interviews.
Travis was hired at Goodwill as a part-time Donation Attendant, but didn’t yet have transportation or permanent housing.
For months, he walked miles to and from his job for each shift. Building experience and confidence, Travis sought and earned a part-time cashier position at Goodwill despite his transportation and housing challenges.
The J.O.T.O. team continued to walk alongside him and connected him to a community partner that helped him find an apartment close to his new position.
Travis is now working full time at Goodwill as a cashier and serves as safety ambassador for his store. Through his ongoing engagement in J.O.T.O., he’s building on his financial goals, has furnished his new apartment, and bought a scooter.
After months and months of hard work, Travis celebrates that “I don’t have to sleep on an air mattress or walk to work anymore… the J.O.T.O. and Goodwill employee programs have supported me on my journey.”
Travis’ passion and determination define his success today and into the future.
* name changed
Determine that the thing can and shall be done, and then we shall find the way.
