Finding a job and a second chance at the Workforce Connection Center: Antonio's story

Antonio found a safe space to build back his confidence to enter the workforce through Goodwill’s Workforce Connection Center. 

After being incarcerated, Antonio was driven to pave a new path and achieve a fresh start through employment but needed support and guidance to get there. Antonio’s only work experience was from his time being incarcerated and he was nervous that he lacked the skills needed to find a job.

Offering free employment services, the Workforce Connection Center on Richards Street in Milwaukee, Wisconsin provided a community dedicated to supporting Antonio in reaching his goals to rehabilitate himself and live on his own. The center helped him recognize his strengths and taught him how to apply his skills to different types of roles, opening the door to opportunity. 

Working closely with Antonio, center staff assisted with job leads and applications, resume creation, interview preparation and provided referrals to resources needed to maintain employment such as transportation. 

“Center staff are very knowledgeable of the employment market, and it shows from first walking in the door to the initial conversation,” says Antonio. “Staff assisted me with resources including Goodwill Cares Community Assistance program vouchers for clothing.” 

For Antonio, the center offers more than employment services and access to resources, it’s a space to connect, feel like yourself and is a motivator to keep on the right track. “What center staff do well is motivate, which is very much needed during the process of finding a job. They were someone to talk to, guided me and encouraged when I needed it,” reflects Antonio of his experience at the Workforce Connection Center.

With the help of the center, Antonio gained a new set of skills to confidently transition into the next phase of his life and in just a few months secured full-time employment that provided financial stability to move into permanent housing. 

The center remains a support system for Antonio, as a reliable resource that he can turn to for navigating life’s challenges to keep on a path to stability. “The help continues, and the guidance has been incredible including helping me update my resume and find new job leads.” In fact, with the guidance of the center, Antonio has found a new role as a sales associate at a Goodwill Store & Donation Center in Milwaukee where he is creating a welcoming shopping experience and supporting Goodwill’s mission to assist others in their employment journey.