Orlando Rodriguez

Youth Services

Orlando Rodriguez’s motivation to achieve success through education drove him to Goodwill, but it was his own hard work and determination that allowed him to reach his ambitious goals.

As a single father of twins, Orlando felt he had to drop out of school in order to provide for his young children. After evaluating the employment opportunities available for him, he knew that pursuing further education would help him build the future that he wanted for himself and his family. In July of 2006, he confidently walked through the doors of Goodwill’s WIA Youth Services location, determined to get his GED. (The WIA Youth Services Program is funded by Workforce Solutions, The Greater Austin Area Workforce Development Board.)

“I just walked into Goodwill to get some information,” said Orlando. “They told me about the program, and I thought, ‘well hey I can do that; I can get my GED.’”

Faced with more challenges than a typical student, Orlando needed to learn how to balance the demands of being a single father of two with work and studying for his GED. Through the WIA Youth Services Program, Orlando received intensive case management, including tutoring, childcare and basic needs assistance to help him achieve a greater level of self-sufficiency.

“He was very motivated and wanted to go back to school, and my goal was just to support him and help him with what he needed,” said Case Manager Jesús DeLeón-Serratos. “I don’t remember having to tell him twice about something that he had to do.”

With determination, Orlando worked hard and received his GED in less than three months. Currently, he is employed as the Head Caterer at a local Bar-B-Q restaurant. With his focus on education stronger than ever, he is also working to obtain his degree in Criminal Justice at a local community college.

Orlando continues to successfully balance work and school while caring for his children. A few credits shy from graduating, Orlando wants to become a police officer like his uncle. Even before graduating, he has been receiving job offers. With his future knocking at his door he can’t help but feel pride.

“I would probably still be working at a dead-end job and not even thinking about school,” said Orlando. “Goodwill helped me think about my education and helped me think about my future. It brought it all to the realization that I need to improve my life and they helped me. From where I was at before to where I am now, it’s a drastic change.”

Watch video about Orlando.

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