Antonio’s Story: Set Up For Success

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Antonio came to Sound Outreach frustrated with the challenges of finding an employer who would take a chance on him. He worked hard to earn his AA degree at Pierce College despite a learning disability. He invested the time to better himself so he could do more for his family.  For too long, he says, he watched his “wife head off to work every day to support our four children.” Antonio was determined to change the course of his life and that of his family.

I contributed my disability check, but it was never enough. I went to school so we could do more than live paycheck to paycheck.

Antonio enrolled at Pierce College to get the education he needed to work in a field that supported his natural abilities – computers. Unfortunately, earning an AA wasn’t enough, he needed to get job experience, but he wasn’t sure how to make that happen. Then through a recommendation from his son’s school, Antonio met Employment Coach Lynn Willis at the Sound Outreach Bethel office.  He says, “that first meeting was the beginning of a new life” for him and his family.

First, Lynn advocated for Antonio to get a much-needed internship which led to a job.  Antonio says his new job gave him a fulfillment he had not felt before – he was finally a working contributor to his family.  That joy hit a wall a week after he started his job when COVID-19 derailed the state and country.  Antonio was the first person on the payroll to be laid off.

Antonio says he didn’t have a chance to feel anxious or defeated. Within days of being laid off and the Governor’s Stay Home order, Lynn was on the phone asking him what he needed. Antonio says the concern coming immediately from Sound Outreach has strengthened his resolve to ride out the stay-at-home orders until he is called back to work.  Because of his employment coach at Sound Outreach, Antonio believes

“I’m set up for success. I am organized and ready to get back to work when I get the call.”

Because of the generosity of our sponsors and community, Sound Outreach can support people like Antonio. Please consider a gift of support to Sound Outreach.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]