As a teen parent without a strong family support system, Valeria Sarli faced many difficulties before coming into Goodwill’s Workforce Investment Act Program (funded by WorkSource, the Greater Austin Area Workforce Board) in January of 2005. She was supporting herself and her daughter while trying to finish high school. Although only several credits away from graduating, Valeria was considering dropping out. Fortunately, she heard about Goodwill from a friend and approached Youth Services where she met her case manager, Theresa Medrano.

A good support system is a crucial element for a teenager trying to raise a child, and Valeria said that Theresa provided this for her. “When I would give her excuses for cutting class, she would always be there to give alternatives and reasons for going.” Theresa would routinely call and check-in with Valeria to make sure she and her daughter were doing well. “I knew she was my case manager, but we treated each other more like friends—we still stay in touch today.”

Goodwill provided Valeria not only with the guidance of a case manager, but also with work experience, job skills training, child care, and counseling services along with post-secondary enrollment assistance. While a student, she was able to work in several different industries, including the Wellness Center at Del Valle High school where she learned many skills in the allied healthcare industry. After graduating from high school in 2006, Valeria was placed as a temporary employee at Academic Superstore where she has since been hired on full-time.

Completing her program two months ago, Valeria is currently a purchasing assistant and has worked for Academic Superstore for a year and a half. Having just purchased her first home, Valeria enjoys the opportunity of growing with a company that has more than doubled in size since she began. Ambitious and goal oriented, she plans on continuing her education and getting her degree in business administration..

“By others having hope in me, it gave me hope in myself,” Valeria said. She is proud of herself for being inducted into the Hall of Honor, and we know that she has many more successes to look forward to in the future..

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