DRIVING TOWARDS SUCCESS

Lyndale came to the workforce center determined to turn his life around. Despite his criminal record being over 15 years old, he felt it continued to stand in the way of securing a stable career with a livable wage. He didn’t let that stop him from dreaming big and seeking a fresh start. He sought assistance to attend CDL training at Texarkana College. The workforce team, through the WIOA program, not only approved his training expenses but provided crucial transportation assistance to help him focus on his studies. Thanks to his hard work and determination, Lyndale excelled in his training, and he received a job offer almost immediately after completing the program! Today, Lyndale is proudly employed with Ready Mix, earning $18 an hour and building a brighter future for himself.

FROM CHALLENGES TO TRIUMPH

Cornelius came to the workforce center ready to rebuild his life. Recently released from incarceration, he faced significant challenges finding employment, with SNAP benefits being his only source of income. Despite a limited work history and skill set, he was determined to create a better future. The workforce team helped him enroll in PJC’s CDL training program, setting him on the path toward a high-demand career. He dedicated himself to the course, excelled in his classes, and passed his exam with ease. Armed with his CDL, Cornelius landed a job with A&J Shipping, where he now earns an impressive $2,000 per week—more than three times his previous income!

FROM DEFEATED TO DETERMINED

When Paula entered the SNAP E&T program on September 12, 2023, she felt completely defeated. She believed her age and lack of a high school diploma stood in the way of finding meaningful employment. Her Career Planner (CP) saw her potential and quickly stepped in to help. Together, they completed an application for Kroger, and Paula learned about the free GED courses offered at Paris Junior College. Paula left the office that day feeling a little more hopeful, but her outlook was about to change dramatically. Just one week later, she returned to the workforce center with an entirely new energy—smiling, skipping, and ready to share her incredible news. Paula had been offered a job as a cashier at Kroger and had already started taking GED courses at PJC! Her story is a heartwarming example of how workforce programs can reignite hope and transform lives.

CHELSEA’S JOURNEY TO INDEPENDENCE

Chelsea, a dedicated single mother of two young children, worked tirelessly as an employee with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Despite her hard work, affording daycare remained a constant struggle. In 2022, she began receiving much-needed childcare assistance, which provided a vital lifeline for her family. Fast forward to this year, when she came up for recertification. Thanks to her dedication and perseverance, she had received a raise that lifted her above the eligibility threshold for assistance. While she no longer qualifies for the program, this milestone marks a significant step toward financial independence and a brighter future for her family. Chelsea’s hard work and determination are paving the way for continued success!

BUILDING A BRIGHTER FUTURE

Brittani and James, a hardworking two-parent family with two young children, were determined to provide the best for their family. Despite both parents working, the cost of childcare was a challenge they couldn’t overcome on their own. In 2022, they applied for and were approved for childcare assistance, which offered them the support they needed. Over the course of the year, James’ dedication at work paid off—he received a significant increase in both his hours and rate of pay. This well-deserved progress led to an exciting milestone: the family’s income growth meant they were no longer eligible for assistance. Their story celebrates the power of hard work, opportunity, and resilience in building a brighter future!

FROM FOSTER CARE TO FLOURISHING

Marshall and Maci, a compassionate two-parent family, first joined the childcare program in 2019 through a DFPS referral while fostering a child. In 2021, their journey took a heartwarming turn when they adopted the child, growing their family to seven—with five children under the age of nine. To support their growing household, they transitioned to the low-income childcare program, which became a crucial resource during this exciting chapter of their lives. Over the past year, Marshall and Maci’s dedication and hard work paid off in big ways, with both parents earning substantial increases in their wages. This incredible progress enabled the family to achieve financial independence and graduate from the assistance program. The family’s story is a powerful example of how support programs can help families navigate life’s transitions and create lasting stability.

FUELING OPPORTUNITY

When a new Cefco station was built in the Sulphur Springs area, it brought exciting opportunities for the local community. The station manager partnered closely with the Sulphur Springs workforce office, using their resources almost daily for over a month to recruit and interview candidates. The partnership even extended to utilizing the computer lab to complete the employee onboarding process. Thanks to this collaboration, forty-five job seekers were successfully hired for the new store—all through the dedicated efforts of the Sulphur Springs business services team members. This success story highlights the power of workforce services in connecting employers with eager job seekers, fueling economic growth and opportunity in the community!

SERVING UP OPPORTUNITIES

When Braum’s restaurant in Mount Pleasant, Texas, expanded their storefront, it created five new job opportunities for the local community. To support their hiring needs, the Mount Pleasant workforce office partnered with the restaurant to host an onsite mini job fair over the course of two days. The collaboration didn’t stop there—interviews were conducted over the following three days, resulting in all five positions being successfully filled with the help of Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas. This success showcases the power of local partnerships in driving economic growth and connecting job seekers with meaningful opportunities!

CONNECTING TALENT WITH OPPORTUNITY: THE 11TH ANNUAL HIRING RED, WHITE, AND YOU EVENT

On November 9, 2023, Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas hosted the 11th annual Hiring Red, White, and You hiring event—and it was a resounding success! The event brought together 79 employers and 341 eager job seekers, including 56 veterans, creating a vibrant atmosphere of opportunity and connection. The Workforce Solutions team went above and beyond, promoting the event to employers and encouraging them to amplify its reach through their social media platforms. The hard work paid off, with employers praising the event as one of the best-attended they had seen in years. This event is a testament to the impact of collaboration and commitment, showcasing the power of workforce solutions to bridge the gap between employers and talented job seekers while honoring our nation’s veterans.

FROM STRUGGLES TO SUCCESS

Emily a married mother of two, came to the workforce center in December 2021 with a clear goal: to build a better future for her family. At the time, she had been unemployed for eight months, with limited work history, and her family relied on SNAP benefits to get by. Determined to create a new path, Emily sought assistance to attend Radiology Tech training at Paris Junior College. As an out-of-school youth, she qualified for support, and Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas stepped in to assist with her training costs and transportation. With dedication and hard work, Emily completed her program and secured full-time employment with McCurtain Memorial Hospital in Idabel, earning $18 per hour as a Radiology Tech.

DRIVING TOWARDS SUCCESS

Tiffany came to Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas determined to change her life. At 41 years old, she was a high school dropout with a sporadic work history and had spent the last 8 months as a stay-at-home mom to her 3 children after losing her previous job. Despite her challenges, she was ready to take control of her future and sought assistance with CDL training. During her intake, her career planner noticed her impressive scores on the CASAS exam and encouraged her to pursue her GED. Tiffany took the exam and earned her GED while simultaneously attending truck driver training. Her hard work and paid off, and upon completing her training, she was offered a position as an OTR truck driver with John Christner Trucking, earning an incredible $31.55 per hour.

BRITTNEY’S REMARKABLE TRANSFORMATION

Brittney came to Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas with a dream of building a brighter future. At just 23 years old, she was a married mother of two small children, ages one and three, and qualified as an out-of-school youth. Determined to advance her career, Brittney sought assistance to attend Radiology Tech training at Paris Junior College. Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas stepped in to support her journey, covering training costs and providing essential transportation and childcare assistance. Brittney’s hard work and dedication paid off, and upon completing her training, she secured a full-time position as a Radiology Tech at Trinity Mother Frances Hospital, earning $28.70 per hour. This was a life-changing leap from her previous highest wage of $9.50 per hour, significantly improving her family’s financial stability.

A GRANDMOTHER’S DETERMINATION

Robertyne, a devoted grandmother, stepped up to care for her five grandchildren while their mother serves time in incarceration. Navigating the challenges of guardianship, Robertyne faced significant hurdles in gathering the extensive documentation required for approval, especially given her daughter’s circumstances. With the dedicated support of her Client Service Specialist, Robertyne was able to overcome these obstacles, and her care for the children was approved. Grateful for the assistance, she sent a heartfelt note to her specialist, saying: "Good morning, Jenny! Thank you soooo much for your patience and help. Your customer service and professionalism is phenomenal!! I appreciate you all, have a blessed and great holiday weekend!"

FROM UNCERTAINTY TO STABILITY

After being placed on the waitlist for childcare, Ms. Craig’s persistence paid off when she was enrolled in January 2022. Two years later, her case came up for renewal, but she faced a major setback—she had been laid off from her job. Undeterred, Ms. Craig quickly found temporary employment, allowing her to maintain her eligibility. Her determination continued to shine as she recently secured a permanent position with Farmers Insurance. Thanks to her hard work and increased earnings, Ms. Craig no longer requires assistance. Reflecting on her journey, she shared these kind words: "Thank you so very much! I am truly grateful for the help you guys have provided."

RISING TO EXCELLENCE

Trinity Christian Preschool, an early childhood development center in Paris, Texas, serving children from 6 weeks to 12 years old, has reached an exciting milestone. In 2022, Trinity began its journey toward becoming Texas Rising Star certified, and in March of this year, they proudly earned a 3-Star certification following their initial assessment. Under the dedicated leadership of Director Melissa Young, Assistant Director Kristen Loehr, and their 28 hardworking staff members, Trinity devoted countless hours to enhancing and sustaining a high-quality childcare program. Their efforts have made a significant impact, earning them high scores in teacher-child interactions, program administration, and indoor/outdoor learning environments. This well-deserved recognition is a testament to their commitment to excellence and the positive impact of their efforts.

OPPORTUNITY THROUGH COLLABORATION

On February 12th, a representative from Sulphur Springs Health and Rehabilitation reached out to the Workforce Solutions team with a request to advertise their free CNA classes. The staff quickly placed the announcement on the resource room bulletin board and shared the details with interested customers. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with several individuals expressing interest and applying for the classes. By March 20th, the representative followed up with a message of gratitude, saying: "Hello, just wanted to reach out and tell you thank you for sending the applicants for our CNA classes. I have enough for nearly 2 classes!!!!!"

BUILDING CONNECTIONS

Curry Pools, a well-established business in Mount Pleasant, recently experienced a major management change. When the new manager needed to fill an open position, they reached out to Workforce Solutions but appeared hesitant about the process. The staff quickly got to work, posting the position on WorkInTexas and referring three qualified job seekers in no time. In a later conversation with the previous owner, the staff learned just how long the business had relied on their services. The former owner chuckled, saying, “He just didn’t know all these years I called you when I needed help. He thought he was going to have to take to the street to find mechanics.”

CONNECTING TALENT WITH OPPORTUNITY

On March 21st, Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas hosted an industry-specific job fair at the Texarkana Workforce Center, dedicated to connecting job seekers with opportunities in the healthcare field. The event featured 13 employers and attracted 38 enthusiastic job seekers, creating a productive and engaging environment. In a thoughtful gesture, staff even provided breakfast for the employers, covering the costs out of their own pockets to ensure a warm and welcoming experience. The feedback from employers was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their satisfaction with the event. Inspired by its success, Workforce Solutions staff are already planning additional industry-specific job fairs to continue supporting both local employers and job seekers. This event is a shining example of how tailored workforce efforts can drive meaningful connections and fuel growth in key industries!

FROM SERVICE TO SUCCESS

Gregory, a twice-enlisted Army veteran who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, had a diverse work history but struggled to find well-paying positions. Determined to improve his circumstances, he began working with the Texas Veterans Commission Representative at the Texarkana Workforce Center to explore employment opportunities. When informed about an upcoming manufacturing job fair at the workforce center, Gregory decided to attend. The job fair, held on June 18th, proved to be a turning point. On July 10th, Mr. Morrison reached out to his Vet Rep with exciting news—he had been hired by Pharma Nobis, crediting the job fair for connecting him with his new opportunity. Mr. Morrison’s story highlights the critical role workforce services play in supporting veterans as they transition to meaningful civilian careers.

PAULA’S JOURNEY TO SUCCESS

Paula, , a divorced mother of two, came to the workforce center determined to build a better future for her family. Despite working as a medical assistant, her low wages left her eligible for SNAP benefits. Additionally, an old felony conviction created barriers to advancing her career. Seeking a fresh start, Ms. Alford requested assistance to complete the LVN program at Kiamichi Tech. Workforce Solutions stepped in to provide comprehensive support, including tuition, books, fees, and transportation assistance, ensuring she had no obstacles to achieving her goals. With dedication and perseverance, Ms. Alford excelled in her training, earned her LVN license, and secured full-time employment with Stillhouse Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, earning an impressive $27.00 per hour.

JOURNEY TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE

Beverly, a single mother with a young child, came into the Texarkana workforce center seeking help to rebuild her life. Homeless and living at the Randy Sams shelter, she was determined to provide a better future for her son. The workforce staff immediately took action, ensuring she applied for housing assistance, referring her to job opportunities, and connecting her with the childcare program. With childcare assistance in place, she had the freedom to focus on her job search and attend interviews. Her persistence was unwavering—she visited the office weekly to use the resource room and gather new referrals. Beverly’s hard work paid off when she secured employment. Soon after, her application for housing was approved, allowing her and her son to leave the shelter and begin a new chapter. Beverly’s story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of support in creating life-changing opportunities.

EMPOWERD TO SUCCEED

Kenya, a single mother of three children aged one to eight, faced significant challenges in her job search due to a lack of childcare. Determined to improve her circumstances, she applied for and was granted childcare assistance for her children, giving her the freedom to actively pursue employment. With this support in place, she wasted no time and, in just three days, secured a position with Tyson Foods, earning $15.90 per hour. Her story demonstrates how access to resources and determination can transform challenges into opportunities, paving the way for a brighter future for her and her family.

A STEPPING STONE TO SUCCESS

Loretta, a newly married mother of three, has been a recipient of childcare assistance since December 2022. While working for a local school district, she also dedicated herself to completing a college degree. In June, she called to share exciting news—she had accepted a new job with a salary increase of approximately $2,000 per month. Combined with her recent marriage, this progress put her over the income eligibility limit for childcare assistance. While transitioning out of the program, Ms. Anderson expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support she received, which allowed her to balance work, education, and family life. Her story highlights the vital role of childcare assistance in empowering individuals to achieve their goals and create a brighter future for their families.

LITTLE TEXANS LEARNING CENTER

Little Texans Learning Center has been named the 2024 Local Employer of Excellence by Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas—a well-deserved recognition for their commitment to quality care and a supportive workplace. Voted best daycare in Hopkins County for seven consecutive years, Little Texans has been a TRS provider for over six years.. The center goes above and beyond to create an enriching environment for its employees. The owner provides transportation for out-of-town training sessions and supplies uniforms at no cost, while the director fosters a positive culture by praising achievements, addressing concerns, encouraging innovation, and promoting teamwork. With a dedication to exceptional care for the children they serve and a focus on employee satisfaction, Little Texans Learning Center sets a shining example of what a quality childcare center can be.

What a successful 2024!!