Rehabilitated Man Takes Higher Roads

As a long-time Southern Nevada resident, André had seen firsthand how Goodwill works diligently to provide disadvantaged individuals with employment opportunities, clothing grants, and other assistance. He never would have imagined Goodwill would help him build a foundation for a new career.

Earlier in life, André didn’t foresee that the bad decisions he made as a teenager would have long-term consequences. Despite having rehabilitated himself during incarceration—earning a GED, Associate’s degree, and paralegal certification, plus acquiring over 300 certificates—he still faced barriers to gainful employment and providing for his family.

Like many other members of the Local Laborers Union, André was laid off due to Covid-19 restrictions, and subsequently ran through his savings. Understanding that the construction industry faces routine layoffs due to slowdowns in activity, André decided to pursue his longtime dream to be a professional truck driver. However, he lacked the finances to pay for truck driving school, the precursor to obtaining a commercial driver’s license.

His search for financial resources led to his discovery that Goodwill offered assistance for CDL training. André rushed to a Goodwill Career Center and met with a career coach, who tested his aptitude, assessed his prerequisite qualifications, and determined that he was eligible for a grant to fund CDL training at a participating truck driving school. André immediately enrolled at 160 Driving Academy; two months later, he passed his CDL exam.

From that day forward, André has been recruited by local and national truck driving companies and added manual transmission certification to his CDL, widening the range of trucks he is licensed to drive. He currently works in Pahrump on a solar plant project while entertaining other potential offers from different employment opportunities over the road and locally. André even bought his own tow truck in preparation for starting his own towing business, which will allow him to provide other disadvantaged individuals with employment opportunities.

“I am very grateful to Goodwill for providing me the opportunity to pursue a lifelong dream and to secure employment in a field that has the longevity that I need to be able to adequately provide for my family,” said André. “Goodwill has many opportunities help you obtain your goals if you apply yourself and seek assistance.”

Goodwill helped André make a big leap forward.

Learn how Goodwill’s Career Services can work for you.