Ms. Maria Casas began WSA's Choices program December 1, 2019, in Boerne. Ms. Casas was transferred to the E. Houston Workforce Center in February of 2020. Ms. Casas became widowed November 2019. While most families were planning for the holidays, Ms. Casas was planning her husband’s funeral. Ms. Casas overnight became a single parent left to raise and care for her five children ranging from ages 3 to 16 years old.
Ms. Casas was assisted with transportation, childcare, and a SAHA referral at the time of intake and completed the Goodwill SE contract. Then, tragedy struck again when she was evicted from her home. Ms. Casas was feeling frustrated, confused, down on her luck, and had nowhere to turn. Ms. Casas moved in with her brother temporarily and began working at Goodwill under subsidized employment. Ms. Casas then began to gain confidence and her self-esteem improved. After two weeks of employment with Goodwill Industries, Ms. Casas was approached by both the Store Manager & Assistant Manager and asked to apply for a permanent full-time position with Goodwill. Ms. Casas stated the future looks bright again for her and her children. Ms. Casas stated she never knew she could get the amount of assistance she received from the Workforce. Ms. Casas job is on hold due to COVID 19, but is hopeful she will become a full-time permanent employee with Goodwill Industries when she returns.
