From welfare to the workforce: A Goodwill success story

By Alyssa Rossomme (arossomme@wsbt.com)

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Chandra Trevino, 20, is a local success story. With the help of Goodwill Industries, she was able to turn her life around. (WSBT photo)

Chandra Trevino, 20, is a local success story. With the help of Goodwill Industries, she was able to turn her life around. (WSBT photo)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Sep 29, 2009 at 6:18 AM EST

Story Updated: Oct 2, 2009 at 10:54 AM EST

SOUTH BEND— A local organization is working to help those on government assistance become self-sufficient.

Goodwill Industries is helping people get in the workforce, by eliminating barriers to success.

Chandra Trevino, 20, is one of the success stories. Her life was a struggle. She got pregnant at age 15 with twin boys who were stillborn at seven months. After losing them, she ran away from home and moved in with her boyfriend. She stayed in an abusive relationship with him for four years.

When she finally had the courage to get out, she was left homeless. She lived out of her car for four months, and then got pregnant again. This time, pregnant with twin girls, she was motivated to turn her life around.

“I'm very proud of myself because I’m making it for them,” said Trevino.

She said she started being respectful to herself and her family. She sought help from local agencies. Initially, she went to Hannah’s House, and later moved into Porch Light Transitional Living. The assistance she receives has been anything but handouts.

“The goal is to become self-sufficient,” said Belinda Rathert, her case manager.

To get benefits, Trevino was required to search for jobs and get community work experience.

“She has had the support system to provide her the encouragement as well as provide her resources to be able to say I can do this,” said Debie Coble, of Goodwill Industries Workforce Development Services.

“She's a hard worker. She wants more for her children than to be on public assistance,” added Rathert.

Trevino’s work experience position soon led to a real job.

“She's now employed, she has two beautiful babies. She's making it and will continue to make it,” Coble proudly remarked.

“It feels good, feels like I’m going somewhere in my life. I'm leading a good life for my kids,” said Trevino.

Trevino, a former high school dropout, now plans to go to college. She said she would like to become a case manager so she can help others get on the right track.

So far this year, Goodwill Industries has helped nearly 600 people like Trevino find jobs.

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