Meet Raymond Guerra

“Goodwill opened doors for me. They’ve given me a career, and now I know I can overcome any obstacle. I will achieve my goals.”
-Raymond

Raymond spent eight years behind bars wondering what he was going to do with his life. When he was released, Raymond walked out of prison with only a trash bag containing his clothes. This was Raymond’s second trip to prison, and he wanted a new beginning. He knew it would be difficult, but swore he would never go back.

While living at a halfway house, Raymond found out about the Goodwill WERC program. He was particularly interested in the course to earn a Certified Driver’s License (CDL), although he wondered if it would be possible. He didn’t even have a driver’s license! When he met Melissa, his Career Case Manager, she advised him, “Be patient, it will happen.” “Hats off to Melissa,” says Raymond. “She’s the greatest. She reassured me, and she kept me moving ahead. It wasn’t easy, but it was all worth it.”

Raymond got his driver’s license, completed the CDL training, and earned his certification. Goodwill Staffing Group arranged an interview for Raymond with Centex Materials, a leader in construction material supply, as a temporary employee. Within weeks, he was hired into a permanent, full-time position. Since then, Raymond has been promoted four times! He compares his co-workers to family. “We’re all working together to make something wonderful, and it feels good when you watch the project you’ve built go from the ground up. Sort of like my life right now. And I’m going to keep going up!”

Raymond intends to continue on his career pathway, learning as much as he can to help his team. He has advice for other individuals that are in similar situations to his: “Life is not easy, but keep going. Work hard. In the end, the payoff is more rewarding than anything you’ve ever done.” He plans to buy his own home soon, “but the best reward I’ve got now is my future.”