It’s been more than two years since Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on our gulf coast, but today many people still work tirelessly to rebuild their lives. After being rescued from her rooftop and losing everything she had, Denise Locue and her two sons sought safety and a new life.

Afraid for her children’s safety, she fled the New Orleans Convention Center and came to Austin where she had no family or friends. “I had never experienced anything like that, I cried for a long time because I was so worried for my children’s future,” Denise said.

Denise and her sons stayed at a stranger’s house through a disaster relief program before finding stable housing for her family. She needed employment assistance and help navigating through the complex social service programs in order to get back on her feet. After finding Goodwill listed in the phonebook, she made the call and her road to recovery began.

Denise’s patience and determination to provide for her family while facing countless obstacles have led her to persevere through one of our nation’s most devastating disasters. “Denise has been a true inspiration and role model for her sons and for others in our Job Source program,” said her case manager, Sara Tierney. It was through the strong relationship between Denise and her case manager that she was able to establish a new life here in Austin and secure employment.

“Sara was really sweet, I’m not sure what I would’ve done without her help,” Denise said. Since she did not have a driver’s license, Sara would take her to pick up relief vouchers during work breaks. When Denise discovered a job opening at UT that better suited her needs, she approached Sara for help. Denise received application and résumé writing assistance, and interview tips and skills. She now has been employed at UT for more than seven months and has made several new friends. She enjoys her new job and spends her free time at church..

Denise has not returned to New Orleans since Katrina, and though she plans on buying a house in Austin, she still misses her hometown and hopes to one day return.

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