Veronica Contreras
Veronica Contreras came to Goodwill under the WIA Youth Program, funded by WorkSource, the Greater Austin Area Workforce Board. She started by participating in the Summer Youth Program in 2004. She had spent summers volunteering at her church and was described as having a sweet and giving nature. But when it came to maintaining employment, Veronica had difficulties.
While participating in Summer Employment at the Department of Public Safety that summer, Veronica started the process of transitioning from school to work. After successfully completing the program, she was recognized for her dedication and achievement by receiving an award at the annual banquet.
Veronica wanted to continue working but felt that she needed to build a stronger foundation. She entered the Work Adjustment program and trained with Goodwill for a short time where she learned skills that would assist her with future employment such as staying on task, maintaining a positive attitude and punctuality.
“Veronica was a very motivated youth and gained the experience and knowledge she needed to become a successful employee,” said her case manager, Emily Bussey.
When asked what she liked best about the program, Veronica stated that she appreciated the respect received from Goodwill employees and the many friends she made, and said it helped boost her confidence and self-esteem. “I was kind of frightened when I graduated and started working with Emily to find a job, but she was interested in my life and treated me like a friend—she’s more like a role model to me.”.
The most difficult obstacle for Veronica was overcoming her nerves and gaining courage to take the initial step in approaching a company for employment. She knew she liked animals, so after graduation she volunteered for a month at the Town Lake Animal Shelter. “I wasn’t there for long, but I learned a lot about myself while volunteering there.”.
Veronica now works for Ross Dress for Less where she has received more hours, responsibilities and a pay raise. .
While participating in Summer Employment at the Department of Public Safety that summer, Veronica started the process of transitioning from school to work. After successfully completing the program, she was recognized for her dedication and achievement by receiving an award at the annual banquet.
Veronica wanted to continue working but felt that she needed to build a stronger foundation. She entered the Work Adjustment program and trained with Goodwill for a short time where she learned skills that would assist her with future employment such as staying on task, maintaining a positive attitude and punctuality.
“Veronica was a very motivated youth and gained the experience and knowledge she needed to become a successful employee,” said her case manager, Emily Bussey.
When asked what she liked best about the program, Veronica stated that she appreciated the respect received from Goodwill employees and the many friends she made, and said it helped boost her confidence and self-esteem. “I was kind of frightened when I graduated and started working with Emily to find a job, but she was interested in my life and treated me like a friend—she’s more like a role model to me.”.
The most difficult obstacle for Veronica was overcoming her nerves and gaining courage to take the initial step in approaching a company for employment. She knew she liked animals, so after graduation she volunteered for a month at the Town Lake Animal Shelter. “I wasn’t there for long, but I learned a lot about myself while volunteering there.”.
Veronica now works for Ross Dress for Less where she has received more hours, responsibilities and a pay raise. .