Survivor Thrives with Community Support

Over the course of six months, Goodwill of Southern Nevada collaborated with other nonprofit organizations to support Elena, a domestic violence survivor, on her courageous journey.

It had been less than a year since the rug was pulled out from under Elena’s feet. She found herself at SafeNest, a shelter for domestic violence survivors, ready to rebuild her life and make concrete steps towards a better future for herself and her two young children.

While at SafeNest, Elena attended an information session at a Goodwill Career Center. There, she was introduced by the Goodwill career coach to the Las Vegas Community Development Block Grant (LV-CDBG) for survivors of domestic violence. Realizing that Goodwill, along with grant funding, could support her employment goals, Elena enrolled in the program.

A Goodwill career coach and job developer worked with Elena to identify barriers and began to implement solutions to overcome them. Among Elena’s short-term goals were housing and employment so she could financially support her family. To help prepare her to enter the workforce, Goodwill’s team helped Elena with resume assistance, interviewing skills, and workplace etiquette, as well as supportive services including transportation and professional interview attire.

Meanwhile, SafeNest promised rental assistance if Elena obtained employment. Another Goodwill partner and training provider, Professional Institute of Technology & Accounting (PITA), offered to provide occupational technical training.

Through Goodwill’s CDBG grant funding, Elena was able to earn an income for three months while learning various skills at PITA. Impressed by Elena’s performance during the paid work experience program, PITA offered her a permanent full-time position, where she quickly advanced from Administrative Intern to Test Proctor.

Aided by Goodwill, community resources, and her own passion for learning and hard work, Elena continues to make powerful strides forward in her healing process, independence, and career.

Goodwill supported Elena on her courageous journey.

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