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Success Stories & Testimonials
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Category: Success Stories & Testimonials

  • From Layoff to New Opportunity: Tirone’s Workforce Solutions Story

    From Layoff to New Opportunity: Tirone’s Workforce Solutions Story

    Update: Shortly after we filmed his story, Tirone connected with an employer at a Workforce Solutions job fair and found a new job.

    Tirone knows how quickly life can change.

    After being laid off from a manufacturing technician position, he suddenly found himself facing an unfamiliar job market. Like many experienced workers, he discovered that finding employment looked much different than it had years before.

    “Being a little computer illiterate is a downfall… everything is computerized now,” he shared.

    Unsure where to begin, Tirone turned to Workforce Solutions Capital Area.

    From his very first visit to the East Career Center, he found more than job leads. He found people willing to answer questions, provide guidance, and help him navigate a process that initially felt overwhelming.

    “When you’re laid off, it’s gut hitting,” Tirone said. “If you ain’t been down that road, it’s a rough road to go through.”

    That support didn’t end after one visit.

    As Tirone continued his job search, Workforce Solutions staff remained alongside him—connecting him with career guidance, hiring events, and additional resources as he worked toward his next opportunity. His journey reflects the coordinated support that helps many customers navigate periods of transition with confidence.

    Today, he encourages others not to wait until they feel stuck.

    “This is a great place for people who want a job. I think you should go to one of these [Workforce Solutions locations] and you can find something.”

    For Tirone, Workforce Solutions became exactly that—a place to start again.

    When asked to describe Workforce Solutions Capital Area in one word, his answer was simple:

    “Best.”

  • Isaiah Portillo on the Impact of Child Care Services

    Isaiah Portillo on the Impact of Child Care Services

    Isaiah Portillo is a veteran who worked for a local nonprofit assisting veterans leave homelessness. When the nonprofit lost their federal funding, Isaiah was laid off.

    “Suddenly, I was the veteran needing help to avoid homelessness. I was very concerned about the direction I was taking my wife and three babies all under 2 years of age,” Isaiah said. “I immediately sought the assistance of agencies that help veterans avoid homelessness, as well as seeking assistance with Child Care Services.”

    Isaiah enrolled in the Continuity of Care Program while he searched for a new job. This program is funded by the City of Austin and Travis County, and is designed to bridge sudden gaps in financial eligibility for local parents so their children do not lose their childcare placement.

    Once enrolled, Isaiah received assistance from Giuliana Giardino, a Child Care Navigator with Child Care Services. Isaiah said, “Giuliana has been the most professional, kind, supportive, attentive, gentle, genuine, and caring person I’ve had the privilege of working with. I thank God that she was my case manager and I hope she never leaves CCS!”

    The Continuity of Care program provided stability for Isaiah’s family while he secured new employment and his spouse enrolled in job training.

    My wife cannot work, but we used this opportunity for her to get specialized training. So now, I have a job that is getting us by, and my wife is getting additional training in school. None of that would have been possible without Child Care Services assistance.

    We partner with child care providers to strengthen quality care across Travis County. Learn about Child Care Services and how to join the waitlist.

  • Provider Story: Yohan Rodriguez on the Impact of Child Care Services

    Provider Story: Yohan Rodriguez on the Impact of Child Care Services

    Yohan Rodriguez is the director at Country Home Learning Center #8 in Austin. Her center cares for 99 children receiving scholarships through Child Care Services.

    The center receives support from Child Care Services through the Jeannette Watson program, a salary supplement program funded by the City of Austin, Travis County, and Workforce Solutions Capital Area.

    “The impact on me has been incredibly positive; it is my driving force and my inspiration. It has allowed me to dream big with my students and provide them with magical tools and resources that have filled our classroom with happiness,” Yohan said. “It is so rewarding and inspiring to conduct lessons using tangible tools that enable children to engage in sensory activities—where they can interact while putting the learning objectives into practice.”

    Yohan’s teachers also receive assistance from our Capital Area Retention and Elevation (CARE) Program, which provides financial incentives to eligible early learning providers to support staff retention, motivation, and satisfaction.

    “In my little classroom, every game represents a meaningful and unforgettable learning experience; the children remember and repeat what they have learned—through art, stories, puppets, and interactive classroom settings—continuing that learning at home during playtime. For me as a teacher, creating happy, learning-filled moments is deeply satisfying and inspiring. Thank you for all the support,” Yohan said about CARE.

    “Thank you for believing in me, even when I doubted myself; your contributions have restored my faith, and your support helps many teachers who—like me—dream of providing children with multifunctional educational spaces where they can see and interact with learning resources, develop new skills, and enjoy every learning experience.”

    Workforce Solutions Capital Area has 496 providers participating in Child Care Services and 3,128 children receiving care through CCS scholarships.

    We partner with child care providers to strengthen quality care across Travis County — through scholarships, training, coaching, and support programs. Learn more about how we support child care centers to thrive.

  • “I Was Able to Hire a Position On the Spot Today” | Austin Housing Authority at Healthcare Job Fair

    “I Was Able to Hire a Position On the Spot Today” | Austin Housing Authority at Healthcare Job Fair

    Frank Garcia with the City of Austin Housing Authority attended the latest Healthcare Job Fair hosted by Workforce Solutions Capital Area and hired a maintenance technician on the spot.

    In this testimonial, Frank shares how he met many people with great skill sets and hired a job seeker on the spot.

    “I’m excited to continue this partnership.”

    Learn more about how we connect local people to local jobs.

  • “I’m Really Excited About My Opportunities”  | Tasha on Attending the Healthcare Job Fair

    “I’m Really Excited About My Opportunities” | Tasha on Attending the Healthcare Job Fair

    Tasha Rhymes, M.S. Ed., is a job seeker who attended the latest Healthcare Job Fair hosted by Workforce Solutions Capital Area.

    In this testimonial, Tasha shares how she had conversations with employers who were open and straightforward about their open roles and how they provided Tasha with all the information she needed to be successful with them.

    “I’m really excited about my opportunities.”

    Learn more about how we connect local people to local jobs.

  • Provider Story: Legacy Kids Academy on the Impact of Raising Travis County

    Provider Story: Legacy Kids Academy on the Impact of Raising Travis County

    Legacy Kids Academy is a child care provider in Pflugerville participating in the Raising Travis County initiative, a partnership between Workforce Solutions Capital Area and Travis County that helps eligible families access child care assistance. Legacy Kids Academy cares for 30 children receiving care through Child Care Services, and 5 receive Raising Travis County scholarships.

    “The increased funding from Travis County has made a real difference in the lives of the children and families we serve. Because of this investment, we were able to improve the quality of our programs, purchase essential materials, and provide stronger support services to families who need them most,” said the center’s director.

    “We have seen children become more engaged, confident, and supported, while families feel more connected to resources and opportunities in their community. This funding has helped create safer, more enriching environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive,” she said.

    Raising Travis County creates positive impact beyond Legacy Kids Academy and Pflugerville, according to the director:

    “The impact of Travis County’s support reaches far beyond our program walls, it is strengthening families and building a brighter future for communities across the county.”

    We currently have 445 children receiving care through Raising Travis County, and the initiative has awarded $3.8 million in gap payments to providers, helping them cover the true cost of quality care.

    Families across Travis County may qualify for help paying for child care through this initiative. To learn more about Raising Travis County and to join the waitlist, visit rtc.wfscapitalarea.com.

  • “I’m Feeling at Peace” | Grace on Receiving Support Through Raising Travis County

    “I’m Feeling at Peace” | Grace on Receiving Support Through Raising Travis County

    Grace is a working parent participating in the Raising Travis County initiative, a partnership between Workforce Solutions Capital Area and Travis County that helps eligible families access child care assistance.

    In this testimonial, Grace shares what life was like before receiving support, the financial stress of balancing everyday expenses, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing she can now build savings, pay down debt, and focus on her family’s future.

    She also offers advice for other parents who may be considering applying for assistance.

    “I’m feeling at peace just knowing that I’ll have more of a margin to live on.”

    ❤️ Topics in this story:

    • Child care assistance
    • Working families
    • Financial stability
    • Raising Travis County
    • Workforce Solutions Capital Area
    • Parent support
    • Child care scholarships

    To learn more about Raising Travis County and to get on the waitlist, visit rtc.wfscapitalarea.com.

  • “A Continuous Resource” | Southwest Airlines on Partnering with Workforce Solutions

    “A Continuous Resource” | Southwest Airlines on Partnering with Workforce Solutions

    Southwest Airlines shares how Workforce Solutions Capital Area has become more than a hiring partner — but a continuous resource for recruiting, workforce events, and community connection.

    In this employer testimonial, Southwest reflects on how the partnership has evolved over time through ongoing collaboration, candidate support, hiring events, and a deeper understanding of the company’s workforce needs.

    From providing interview space near the airport to helping connect qualified candidates with career opportunities, Workforce Solutions continues to support employers through relationship-driven workforce solutions.

    “It’s not just a one and done.”

    In this story:

    • Employer hiring support
    • Workforce partnerships
    • Candidate recruitment
    • Community hiring events
    • Aviation and airport careers
    • Long-term workforce collaboration

    Thank you to Southwest Airlines for sharing their partnership story.

  • Mia Wood | From Skillpoint Graduate to Electrician

    Mia Wood | From Skillpoint Graduate to Electrician

    Mia Wood shares how Skillpoint Alliance’s Electrical Program helped launch her career in the skilled trades.

    After struggling to find direction, Mia found opportunity through hands-on electrical training, support from instructors, and a passion for commercial electrical work. By graduation day, she had already secured the job she had been hoping for — and started her path toward becoming a journeyman electrician debt-free.

    Today, Mia is building a successful career while continuing her education through an employer-sponsored apprenticeship program.

    Workforce Solutions Capital Area is proud to partner with training providers like Skillpoint Alliance to help connect Central Texans to meaningful career pathways and workforce opportunities.

    Learn more about Skillpoint Alliance.

  • “They Lifted Us Up” | Tammy Fortin on Child Care, Purpose, and Workforce Solutions

    “They Lifted Us Up” | Tammy Fortin on Child Care, Purpose, and Workforce Solutions

    For more than 30 years, Tammy Forton has dedicated her life to serving children and families through early childhood education.

    In this testimonial, Tammy shares how her partnership with Workforce Solutions Capital Area helped transform her school through teacher training, child care scholarships, Texas Rising Star support, staffing resources, and ongoing collaboration.

    What began as two classrooms with seven children became a thriving school “filled with laughter and happiness.”

    More importantly, Tammy shares the deeper impact this support had on her teachers, families, and even her own confidence as a leader.

    “When I didn’t think I could do it, they told me I could.”

    Topics in this story include:

    • Child care scholarships
    • Teacher retention and support
    • Texas Rising Star
    • Workforce partnerships
    • Early childhood education
    • Building quality child care environments
    • Supporting underserved families

    Thank you to Tammy for sharing her story and passion for child care.