A New Beginning: How Partnership and Purpose Changed Cory Spotts’ Future

June 23, 2026

When news spread in 2025 that Job Corps campuses across the nation would be closing, fear and uncertainty quickly followed. For many students, Job Corps had been more than a training program. It had been stability, support, and home. Suddenly, many young people faced an uncertain future, with some even turning to homeless shelters as they searched for a place to go.


When Workforce Solutions East Texas learned about the closures, the organization knew immediate action was needed. A conversation with community partner Jarvis Christian University sparked a collaboration that would become a lifeline for displaced students.


Like many others, Cory Spotts did not know where to turn when the closure announcement came. During exit counseling sessions, students learned about an opportunity at Jarvis Christian University that offered far more than education. Jarvis stepped forward to provide housing, meals, school supplies, clothing, counseling services, academic support, and spiritual guidance, creating a safe and supportive environment for students trying to rebuild their futures.


Dr. Glenell M. Lee Pruitt, President of Jarvis Christian University, summed up the university’s mission simply: “If they’re talking about closing Job Corps, there has to be a safety net for these young people. Jarvis will be that safety net.”

To further support students’ long-term success, Jarvis partnered with Workforce Solutions East Texas to create meaningful Work Experience opportunities. These placements allowed students to earn income, strengthen their skills, and gain valuable hands-on experience while continuing their education.


For Cory, the impact was life-changing. “I can definitely say it broadened my horizons,” he shared. “I love going to work. I really look forward to working every day.”


Through the WIOA Youth program and Workforce Solutions East Texas, Cory found more than employment opportunities. He found encouragement, guidance, and a community invested in his success. When Workforce staff discovered he did not have a computer to complete his schoolwork, they worked together to provide one, removing another barrier to his future.


Cory recently completed his Work Experience placement with the IT department at Jarvis and has since transitioned to an On-the-Job Training opportunity in the same department, continuing to build his career path in information technology.


For Dr. Dorothy Langley, the Dean for Adult and Continuing Education & the Project Lead for Workforce Initiatives at Jarvis, who helped develop the partnership between Jarvis and Workforce Solutions East Texas, the collaboration holds deep meaning. “What my president did, that vision she had to pull us all together to work for young people, it just means a lot. This has blessed our souls.” Steve Lynch, the Collaboration Manager for Workforce Solutions East Texas, further elaborated that the partnership changed the lives of not only the impacted students but also of all individuals involved. For him and the team at Workforce, seeing the impact of the partnership left many in awe of the work that had been done. He reflected on the fact that many of the Job Corp students might have been homeless and how this partnership changed their path immensely. “We serve people. What are their outcomes? Are they better off?” Steve reflected, “When I hear the stories, are they better off? They are so much better. They were given an opportunity, a new beginning. I think that’s the mission of Workforce.”


For Cory Spotts and many other students, that new beginning became possible because a community chose to step forward when they needed it most. Together, Workforce Solutions East Texas and Jarvis Christian University transformed uncertainty into opportunity, proving that hope can still thrive when people come together with purpose.

Employer Driven Technical Training - Upskill Texas

September 22, 2026
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is currently accepting applications for the Upskill Texas grant program. This technical training initiative provides crucial funding for Texas businesses looking to enhance their workforce's skills and remain competitive in today's rapidly evolving economy. Upskill Texas offers financial support to employers that are: Expanding their operations Retooling their processes Introducing new services or product lines Experiencing organizational structure changes that could avert layoffs  Through Upskill Texas, employers may be reimbursed up to $3,000 per trainee for 100% technical training. The majority of the trainees must have been employed by the business for at least six months. To be eligible, businesses must have 100 or more employees located in Texas and provide a 50% employer match, which can include trainee wages and benefits. Private employers may appoint a designee for the grant, including community or technical colleges, third-party trainers, or workforce development boards. Projects can range from $150,000 to $500,000. Follow the link below to learn more: Upskill Texas - Texas Workforce Commission

Workforce Solutions East Texas Palestine Office Strengthens Local Workforce Connections

September 22, 2026
Workforce Solutions East Texas is strengthening its role as a workforce development leader in the Palestine area by bringing some of the region’s top employers directly to the community. Through a growing series of hiring events hosted at the Palestine office, local job seekers are gaining direct access to employers, career opportunities, and a dedicated team ready to help them take their next step. The events have already generated strong results. On August 14, Wayne Sanderson Farms brought 51 job seekers to the Palestine office for a hiring event. The response was so strong that the company was able to fill its entire first shift through the event, demonstrating the impact that direct connections between employers and job seekers can have. The momentum continued on September 4, when East Texas Beef Processors welcomed 50 job seekers to its hiring event at the Palestine office. The strong turnout provided the company with an opportunity to connect with local talent while giving residents a chance to learn more about available careers and employment opportunities. These events are doing more than filling positions. They are helping Workforce Solutions East Texas build stronger relationships with employers throughout the region while establishing the Palestine office as a convenient, trusted resource for businesses and job seekers alike. By creating opportunities for employers to recruit locally, Workforce Solutions East Texas is helping strengthen the connection between the region’s workforce and the businesses that drive its economy. And the opportunities are just getting started. The Palestine office has several upcoming hiring events scheduled: Wayne Sanderson Farms — September 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. East Texas Beef Processors — September 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Amer Technologies — September 22, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Residents looking for their next career opportunity are encouraged to stop by the Palestine Workforce Solutions East Texas office, meet with employers, explore available positions, and connect with the staff who are ready to provide guidance and support throughout their job search. As the Palestine office continues expanding its employer partnerships and hiring event offerings, Workforce Solutions East Texas is demonstrating what workforce development looks like in action: bringing employers and job seekers together, responding to the needs of the local economy, and creating pathways to opportunity right here in the community. 

Not Starting Over, but Moving Forward: Jessica Paul's Journey Through the RESEA Program

September 22, 2026
After 30 years with the same employer, Ms. Paul never imagined she would have to start over. Her career with a staffing company had been built over three decades of experience in customer service and payroll. Then, without warning, she was laid off. “It was nerve-wracking. I’m a single mom of two. How are we going to survive?” After such a long career with one employer, Ms. Paul wasn't sure where to begin. The job market had changed, and she worried about finding a position that valued her experience while meeting her salary needs. That's when she discovered Workforce Solutions East Texas and the RESEA program. Ms. Paul initially knew very little about RESEA. Through the program, she discovered the resources available through WorkInTexas.com, including the Virtual Recruiter, Resume Builder, job search tools, career exploration resources, and WIOA opportunities. But the greatest impact came from the personalized support of her Career Navigator, Cheryl Jackson. Cheryl helped Ms. Paul update her resume, explore new career possibilities, prepare for interviews, and regain confidence in a job market she hadn't navigated in 30 years. “Cheryl gave me the confidence to job search and interview. Thirty years ago was so different from now, so her guidance was very helpful.” Through career exploration and mock interviews, Ms. Paul discovered opportunities she had never considered and gained the confidence to present her skills to employers. “She gave me the confidence and support I needed.” Today, Ms. Paul is working in payroll and invoicing for a staffing company and will soon take on additional responsibilities in fleet management. What began as an unexpected and frightening transition became a new chapter filled with possibility. RESEA didn't just connect Ms. Paul with resource, it helped her recognize that after 30 years of experience, she wasn't starting over. She was moving forward with confidence. Her advice to others facing an unexpected job loss is simple: “Use all of your resources. You never know where a job will come from, so use everything.” 
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