Success Stories
Elvia Velazquez
Upon meeting Elvia Velazquez, you wouldn't know that just two years ago she was a quiet, timid young woman with no prior work experience. Now, radiating confidence while she helps shoppers with their groceries at H-E-B, Elvia looks back proudly on all she has accomplished since arriving in America.
A native of Mexico, Elvia came to America with challenging obstacles ahead of
her, including a language barrier and a lack of previous work history. Refusing to let such challenges hold her back, Elvia was determined to find work in her new home. The Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) referred her to Goodwill's Work Adjustment Training Program, where she met Denise Torres.
As Elvia's caseworker and mentor from the program, Denise immediately recognized Elvia's strongwill to develop the skills needed to excel in a typical work environment. “What was apparent was her determination to develop into a confident, employable individual,” Denise says. They worked together to help Elvia improve her communication and interaction skills with coworkers. “As she became more proficient in English, she exuded more confidence in her interactions with people around her,” Denise says.
Once Elvia completed the program, she was transferred to Goodwill's Job Placement Services, where she eagerly continued on her quest to find work by fine-tuning her resume building skills, analyzing job leads, and successfully completing job applications. Her dedication and relentless pursuit of employment soon landed her the job at HEB.
Elvia says she is happy about being honored. And Denise is extremely proud of all Elvia has accomplished since arriving at Goodwill. “Her perseverance has paid off as she is now one of H-E-B's best employees,” she says. “H-E-B is her first employer and they are hopeful Elvia will continue to work for them for a very long time.”