When U. Every came to Goodwill, the goal wasn’t simply to find a job. It was to build the skills, confidence and professional foundation needed for a lasting career.
Through Goodwill’s Strategies to Empower People Employment & Training (STEP E&T) program, U. Every committed to every step of the employment journey. Working alongside Goodwill’s Workforce Development team, U. Every received individualized career coaching and developed a professional resume that highlighted existing strengths, experience and career interests while preparing to compete for opportunities in the social services field.
Recognizing that today’s employers expect strong digital skills, U. Every completed Northstar Digital Literacy training in Basic Computer Skills and Career Search Skills, gaining the confidence to navigate online job applications, workplace technology and digital communication.
To strengthen workplace readiness, U. Every successfully completed Goodwill’s GEAR (Goodwill Employment and Readiness) Program, where training is focused on job readiness, professional skills development and attitude revision. These courses helped build the communication, professionalism, workplace expectations and confidence needed to succeed in a professional environment.
The journey continued through the Skills to Succeed Academy, where U. Every further developed essential employability skills, including teamwork, communication, problem-solving, career planning and professional development. Together, these trainings prepared U. Every not just to obtain employment, but to thrive in the workplace.
Goodwill also recognized that employment success extends beyond training. To ensure U. Every was fully prepared for interviews and networking opportunities, Goodwill provided transportation to Dress for Success, where professional interview attire was obtained. With the right skills, confidence and professional presentation, U. Every attended a Goodwill Job Fair ready to make a strong first impression.
That preparation led directly to an exciting opportunity. At the job fair, U. Every was hired by the Louisiana Department of Health as a full-time Social Services Analyst.
During a recent follow-up, U. Every shared that the transition into the new role has been both enjoyable and rewarding and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve others through the Louisiana Department of Health.
U. Every’s journey illustrates how comprehensive Workforce Development can transform opportunity into achievement. By combining individualized career coaching, digital literacy training, workplace readiness instruction, employability skills development, supportive services and direct connections to employers, Goodwill helped prepare U. Every for more than a job. It helped launch a meaningful career.
We congratulate U. Every on this outstanding accomplishment and look forward to seeing the continued impact made as a Social Services Analyst. Stories like this demonstrate how Goodwill’s holistic approach to Workforce Development equips individuals with the skills, confidence and support needed to achieve long-term employment success.
Success stories like U.’s are only possible through the generosity of our donors. Make a gift to Goodwill today.