It’s a familiar story to many Veterans; years of loyal, honorable and dedicated service and then release into a world once called home but now unfamiliar and awkward. Leaving the disciplined regiment behind and left to his own devices, Mauricio Diaz took work that tried to make him feel connected to his past – things like security and outdoor construction, not because of skill but because he was a strong body. A body that served gallantly in combat duty but now was somewhat lost and out of place in a land that he volunteered to protect.
The thrill and relief of coming home to a “safe place” and finding the American Dream ready to be claimed was slowly lost to alcohol, drugs and risky behavior. Mauricio felt abandoned, ashamed, and painfully alone. Ironically he was at home, but an average of 22 veterans commit suicide everyday in a believing that they offer no value or worth to a society that can’t imagine the experiences that were an everyday reality in a combat Marine’s life.
Mauricio eventually was arrested and faced serious charges that could plague him for the rest of his life. Mauricio was offered a chance of redemption through Tarrant County’s Veteran’s Court Program. Awarded to Veterans who agree to stringent rules that last over a year, this program could end in expungement of his records and a chance to start over without serving jail. This much needed seed of hope was soon buried in doubt as Mauricio came to realize his barriers. Mauricio’s car was confiscated in the arrest, he lived in Burleson off the bus route, he had several financial requirements, and many appointments with different agencies as required by the program, educated with just a high school diploma, and unemployed. The court was unsympathetic.
During the second session of court, required twice a month, Mauricio was introduced to Goodwill’s VetWorthy Program. Mauricio took the first step and asked the Business Developer for a card. The next day Mauricio took the second step and called the Business Developer, stating his position with the court, his barriers, and asked if he could get help. Mauricio learned that VetWorthy empowers people to help themselves, a challenge he took seriously.
Mauricio created a plan with the help of a Veteran Employment Specialist and Veteran Business Developer. Through Goodwill’s partnership with Indeed, Mauricio found himself employed within just a few weeks at Northern Tool and Equipment in sales with a competitive salary and opportunity for commission. Goodwill’s Indeed partnership allowed his resume to be placed in a larger pool of employers who would be interested in him according to his skillset. Mauricio now feels a sense of purpose and Northern Tool and Equipment is thrilled to have him as an employee. The VetWorthy Program was able to facilitate a combat Marine to his recovery, not just to be sober but to belong to a world that he thought was unobtainable. Today, Mauricio feels proud and hopeful, something he hasn’t felt in years.