Success Story

 

Homelessness, drug addiction, incarceration, low self-esteem and a nonexistent work history. These were all states that described Javier when he hit rock bottom and realized his life could not continue in that direction.

He was worn out, and four years of contending with the chaos of a life consumed by addiction finally caught up with him. Though he faced many barriers, he never lost sight of what his life could be, or his determination to earn the respect of his community.

Javier's first step was to seek treatment for his drug addiction. He says, with the benefit of hindsight, “I knew this would be the first step in transitioning into a positive lifestyle and becoming a productive citizen.”

While still enrolled in the drug addiction treatment program, he met an instructor who had overcome a similar past. The teacher was a graduate of a Goodwill program that gave him the tools and skills he needed to find work and rebuild his life. His advice to Javier was, “If they could help me, I don't see why they can't help you.”

Javier admits that the word “employment” wasn't in his vocabulary, and he had always believed he was his own boss, but he nonetheless entered the Goodwill WORKS! program at Goodwill Industries of South Texas (Corpus Christi).

There, he learned that second chances could be earned by those who are willing to work hard. While Javier's immediate goals were to learn job and life skills and prepare for work, Goodwill staff encouraged him to also envision his “dream” job.
Goodwill staff connected him with the additional resources he needed, such as housing assistance and health and social services. They secured clothing vouchers, and helped him obtain a birth certificate and renew his driver's license. The Goodwill helped him gain work experience at a construction site, then he advanced to a higher paying job at Harley Davidson.

Within six months of beginning the program, Javier had established permanent housing and was no longer dependent on welfare. And it wasn't long before he was offered the very “dream” job he wanted - maintaining a golf course for the City of Corpus Christi, TX. With his new, full-time job, he also receives full medical insurance.

Javier also feels compelled to share his life lessons with others in the community who are suffering from addiction, homelessness, a negative outlook on being employed, or low self-esteem.

Since September 2002, he has volunteered three times a week, working to encourage others going through addiction treatment. He not only provides inspiration to his peers, but also speaks at area schools, where he can share his life lessons with youth.

Javier's determination is evident in his success. He never thought he would survive the dark days of his past, but he has now been free from drug use for two years.

“I learned with hard work and proving myself, people do give second chances no matter what your background is,” he says. “Working is a wonderful experience because I know in my heart that I am not doing anything bad or illegal.”

Source: Working! Fall 2004