A little more than a year ago, Nelson Toala made the ultimate sacrifice for his family when he quit his job in Ecuador and moved to the United States. Nelson has a bachelor’s degree and worked as a pharmacist for 17 years in South America; however, he realized that as an immigrant he would likely be starting completely over. Disheartened but not discouraged, Nelson supported his family by taking jobs well below his skill and education level.

Struggling with language, transportation and age barriers, Nelson had problems finding full-time employment. He came to Goodwill because he was searching for information on how to refocus his career goals since the process of getting certified as a pharmacist in the U.S. is expensive and lengthy.

Goodwill’s Job Source program provided Nelson with job leads, application and résumé writing assistance, and case management services. With the help of Goodwill, Nelson is in the process of obtaining citizenship paperwork and receiving English as a Second Language classes for himself and his family.

When Nelson began his job search, he immediately applied for a Workforce Investment Act grant to help pay for continuing education. “I enjoyed being a pharmacist because I was able to help others,” he said. Nelson also loves to cook. He decided pursuing his interest in cooking was another satisfying avenue to serving the needs of others. He currently juggles two jobs as a cook while attending Austin Community College where he studies culinary art..

“Nelson strives to achieve more everyday,” said his placement specialist, Stacee Millangue. “He sets high goals for himself and doesn’t let opportunities pass him by.”.

Nelson said he is currently looking into purchasing a home and wants to open his own restaurant one day. “Nothing is impossible,” he says. “But we could not have gotten this far without the aid of Goodwill.” .

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