For the past 4 years, Goodwill Southern California has partnered with The Albertsons Companies Foundation, The Vons Foundation and The Pavilions Foundation to bring jobs back to the Inland Empire. In 2016, the foundations invested in Goodwill Southern California’s Veterans Employment Program in the Inland Empire, which provides career services for veterans looking to rejoin the workforce.

Among those veterans was former Marine, David Slaney, who worked as a Warehouse Associate until June 2016 when he lost his job unexpectedly. As a result, his heavy equipment license also expired, preventing him from finding another job in his same field. Broke and living in a studio apartment, David knew he needed help.

While at the Veterans Affairs Office in Riverside, David picked up a flyer for Goodwill’s Veterans Employment Program and decided to enroll. At the recommendation of Veterans Service Specialist Thomas McDaniel, David began a Heavy Equipment Operator course, where he obtained his license to operate three types of equipment, increasing his desirability to employers substantially. After successfully completing the course, David received an OSHA 10 Certification.

Within days of graduating, David landed 5 job interviews and was offered a position at several of the places he interviewed. Ultimately, the job he accepted was offered right here at Goodwill Southern California where David is now employed full-time as a Material Handler! David is so relieved to finally have steady income and a job that will lead to something better in his life.

Thank you to The Albertsons Companies Foundation, The Vons Foundation and The Pavilions Foundation, for giving a gift of not charity, but a chance to veterans in the Inland Empire.