We are thrilled with the staff Goodwill placed at our organization and love what they are doing. We saved time, money and a lot of trouble by partnering with Goodwill and now we know where to turn when we need to fill positions at our company.

–David Bloom Executive Vice President, Martin Outdoor Media, LLC.

When we needed to find the right talent to help run the organization, we turned to the pros at Goodwill. We were very pleased with their service. They took care of everything and the staff they placed for us is terrific! We wanted to do business with Goodwill because it felt good – now we do business with Goodwill because they’re good at what they do.

–Mitch Butz, Assistant General Manager, High Desert Mavericks

Advancement in business includes recognizing the role our business can play in our community and how it can empower other individuals. We value our partnership with Goodwill Southern California for helping us enrich our own communities. We have been amazed at the variety of services offered and the quality of Goodwill employees now working at our facility. We look forward to our shared commitment.

– Lanny Shirk, President, Triumph Structures -Los Angeles, Inc.

Bank of America is proud to partner with Goodwill Southern California’s career development and placement services that, in 2012, helped place close to 8,000 people in jobs in our region.

-Raul A. Anaya, President, Bank of America – Greater Los Angeles

A groovy chair!

Perfect for the comic fanatic!

Adam Bode served in the U.S. Navy as a Petty Officer Second Class Damage Control aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz from 2003 to 2008. He deployed to the Persian Gulf three times and completed one tour to Kandahar, Afghanistan. Bode’s specialties of service were firefighting, emergency response, and chemical/biological/radiological warfare defense.

When he returned home to Lancaster after his discharge, Bode immediately began looking for work. He struggled to find employment using the skill set he had obtained in the Navy and physical problems related to his service prevented him from pursuing a career as a firefighter. He decided to use the GI Bill and advance his education. He completed his AS at Antelope Valley College in 2010 then transferred to CSULA to pursue his undergraduate degree. He was hospitalized several times during that period due to service related medical issues and almost dropped out of school. Fortunately there was a strong veteran community on campus that assisted Bode; he graduates this Friday with a BS in Criminal Justice and minor in Philosophy Pre-Law.

Bode started his employment search in his senior year knowing that the job market was tough and he had more than just himself to worry about as he had recently become engaged. He knew he would have no source of income after school. He applied to over 100 positions and interviewed for two positions that would not have covered his expenses. Bode says, “I was at my wits-end and my fiancé and I were a few weeks away from being homeless.” He then remembered that Goodwill offered career assistance and employment programs. He contacted the Veteran Employment Program offices and, after his initial intake interview, enrolled in the program. Shortly thereafter a Business Services Representative position opened up within the program; Bode interviewed and was offered the job.

Now, as part of Bode’s focus, he works with veteran college students to help them prepare for and transition into civilian employment. He counsels students by identifying their professional interests and skills to help direct their educational emphasis and put them on a successful career pathway before they graduate.  And, he serves local businesses by connecting these talented graduates to job opportunities within their organizations. Bode helps veterans avoid the pitfalls of long employment gaps during the transition from college to career when many like Adam find their resources expire, and ultimately may battle with bouts of homelessness which can further impede their ability to secure employment.

Bode’s long term ambition is to become an attorney and help advocate for veterans. He has taken the LSAT exam as a first step towards reaching that goal. Goodwill is fortunate to have such a strong role model and determined individual serving our Veteran Employment Program and we proudly recognize Bode as our Veteran of the Year.

Sgt. Ruben Garza served as a drill instructor and tactical communications specialist in the United States Army for seven years; in Hawaii, Germany and other locations in Europe. After his discharge from service in 1983, Garza found it difficult to obtain sustainable employment.

“You go from having rank and leading others to being an average Joe. I thought my experience and seven years of service would be more recognized and appreciated when I returned home,” he said. Under-prepared to compete with civilian job seekers, and unsure of how to translate his military skills, he went years without a permanent job.  Garza began to give up hope.

Amplifying the stress of his job instability, Garza became a single father of three children ranging from 18 months to 9 years old. Garza worked wherever he could to provide for his family and with the help of his sister, was able to maintain a home for his children.

In October of 2008, Garza was assaulted and stabbed in a robbery. This left him unable to work as he underwent numerous surgeries and physical rehabilitation. Upon recovery in 2009 Garza visited his local California EDD (Employment Development Department) office where he saw a flyer for Goodwill.

Garaza attended several Goodwill funded workshops including logistics training, resume development, interview preparation, and individualized job development.

Upon completion of a logistics course, Garza was hired in the Trader Joes Distribution Center as a Warehouse Associate where he is currently employed full-time. We commend Ruben Garza for his perseverance and determination to succeed and proudly salute him as our 2013 Veteran of the Year.

Watch Ariana’s story here.

In high school, Ariana Carbajal became homeless after her parents learned she was pregnant and asked her to leave. With nowhere to go, Carbajal moved in with an uncle. Her uncle provided her with a place to stay but made it clear that although she was just a teenager, the arrangement was not free; she had to pay for her room and board. Carbajal worked various temporary and part-time jobs for several years to support herself and her child.

At the age of 18, she finished high school and enrolled herself into the Los Angeles Trade Technical College where she earned an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts. After earning this degree, Carbajal wanted to pursue higher education full time but had to put this aspiration on hold because she lacked childcare for her son. However, she was determined not to give up on her educational goals. Once her son turned five and was in school full time, Carbajal enrolled as a Business Administration and Accounting major at California State University, Dominguez Hills, and earned her BS.

As a teen mother, Carbajal grew up very quickly. She overcame the struggles of teen pregnancy, homelessness, poverty, and feelings of depression so she could financially provide for her son and be a positive role model in his life. Carbajal knew it was important to keep education as a priority because it would give her and her son a better life.

In the summer of 2012, Carbajal received a mailer from the California  Employment Development Department for former U.S. Census Workers who were interested in customized training, career counseling and job referrals. Carbajal contacted the Goodwill Central San Gabriel Valley Work Source Center and through the National Emergency Grant program, enrolled in classes in Basic Applied Forensic Science and Crime Analysis at California State University, Long Beach. In December of 2012, Carbajal completed training and was employed full time with the Los Angeles County Probation Department.

Ultimately, she hopes to become a Deputy for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and has recently begun the application process. Carbajal says, “I am very grateful for the opportunity to attend training classes through Goodwill, which have helped prepare me for a law enforcement career.”

Through all her adversity, Carbajal has never given up on her education or herself and she hopes her son will learn from the example she has set.

Carbajal’s success is an inspiration to anyone trying to overcome challenging circumstances, and her perseverance has enabled her to provide a stable home for her son and a bright future for both of them. Congratulations Ariana Carbajal, Goodwill Southern California’s Graduate of the Year!

Watch David’s story here.

David Fong first started as a Trainee in the Work Activity Program at the Goodwill Valley Campus. At that time, he had limited exposure to the community and little work experience. According to his Rehabilitation Counselor, he was so nervous and scared in the beginning that he would not come into the building without being coaxed. Every morning his counselor and the Program Manager would have a pep talk with Fong and encourage him to go inside and work his full shift without attempting to leave. As a result of this support and that of other Goodwill employees and program participants, not only did Fong become more comfortable in his work environment, he has also developed stronger social skills and frienships.

Despite his apprehension, Fong was able to adjust to his job duties quickly and was promoted from Trainee to Material Handler in just one year. He now enjoys being part of a supportive team, setting a positive example for his younger siblings and being able to contribute to some of his family’s household expenses. Fong’s family is proud of him and the progress he has made at Goodwill.

Fong currently works closely with the Production Floor Supervisors to help serve other Program Participants. His goal is to become a Floor Supervisor himself. We congratulate David Fong for his courage and tenacity and proudly recognize him as our Valley Campus Achiever of the Year.