Elijah's Retreat Nominated for the TWC HireAbility Employer of the Year

October 16, 2025

A Sanctuary of Opportunity and Inclusion

Nestled on 50 acres in Jacksonville, Texas, Elijah’s Retreat is more than a peaceful dude ranch — it’s a haven of healing, hope, and empowerment for families facing autism. With cozy cabins, a playground, and a winding creek, it offers a rare space where families can relax, reconnect, and thrive together. But Elijah’s Retreat doesn’t stop at providing sanctuary. It is breaking down barriers and building futures for young adults with autism in Rural East Texas.


With an unemployment rate near 80% among adults with autism, the transition from high school to the workplace can feel insurmountable. That’s why Elijah’s Retreat partnered with Jacksonville ISD, Workforce Solutions East Texas, and the Workforce Solutions East Texas Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) department to create a life-changing pilot program. Through the Texas Workforce Commission’s Summer Earn and Learn (SEAL) initiative, Elijah’s Retreat welcomes students with disabilities each summer, helping them build essential skills, confidence, and experience — all while earning a paycheck. The young participants can try their hand at ranch work such as caring for the animals.


Last summer, two young interns were not only guided through meaningful work but were embraced by a team that believed in them. Cheryl Torres, who leads Elijah’s Retreat, shared, "To go from the transition of high school into employment is a difficult thing for a lot of people but it's even more difficult for individuals with disabilities. I think it's a really cool opportunity that those individuals get to come here and gain this powerful work experience where people believe in them and give them the opportunity to just thrive."


Elijah’s Retreat has inspired the Jacksonville community to rally around inclusion and opportunity. Their continued commitment to hosting internships and mentoring youth with neurodiversity is changing lives — not just for the individuals served, but for all East Texas.


For their visionary partnerships, heartfelt mission, and transformative impact, Elijah’s Retreat is a standout nominee for the HireAbility Award. They are not just opening doors — they are building pathways to purpose, dignity, and belonging.

Workforce Solutions East Texas Supports Local Workers Through Rapid Response Partnership

October 16, 2025
When a local employer recently faced a layoff, Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) stepped in to provide immediate assistance through its Rapid Response program — a coordinated effort designed to support both employers and affected employees during times of transition. Upon notification of the layoff, WSET’s Business Services team quickly initiated a Rapid Response orientation. These orientations are designed to inform employees of their rights, available resources, and reemployment options. Staff guide participants through services such as unemployment insurance, job search assistance, training opportunities, and support programs available through Workforce Solutions East Texas and its partners. In collaboration with the employer, WSET also organized a private job fair exclusively for the impacted workers, giving them an opportunity to connect directly with local employers eager to hire skilled talent. The event brought together 13 employers and 48 job seekers, facilitating meaningful conversations and helping workers transition smoothly into new employment opportunities. “Rapid Response is about providing timely, compassionate, and practical support to both employers and employees,” said a representative from Workforce Solutions East Texas. “Our goal is to minimize the stress of job loss and help workers reenter the workforce as quickly as possible.” Rapid Response services are available at no cost to East Texas employers who need assistance communicating with their staff during layoffs or closures. Workforce Solutions East Texas is committed to helping businesses navigate workforce challenges while ensuring their employees have the tools and resources needed to move forward successfully. 

Workforce Solutions East Texas Inspires Local Students at Career Exploration Event

October 16, 2025
Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) staff recently attended the Athens Career Exploration event to educate high school seniors about exciting career paths and opportunities within workforce development. The event welcomed students from Athens ISD as well as neighboring districts — Malakoff, Frankston, and La Poynor ISDs — bringing together an estimated 200–250 seniors eager to learn about their future career options. Students began the day by hearing from a panel of employers representing a variety of industries, who shared valuable insights and professional expertise. Following the panel, attendees had the chance to network with more than 25 local employers, engaging in one-on-one conversations about the skills, education, and experiences needed to enter different fields. Representing Workforce Solutions East Texas, staff members shared what a “day in the life” looks like in workforce development — from helping job seekers and employers connect, to supporting training and education programs that strengthen the East Texas economy. Students also learned about education requirements, job duties, and salary ranges within the workforce development industry. Emely Amador, Outreach Specialist with Workforce Solutions East Texas, reflected on the event saying: “We had such a good time at the Athens Career Expo! The students had wonderful questions and had a lot of interest in the opportunities in Henderson County and how Workforce Solutions East Texas fits into it. We hope to continue to outreach the community with more events like this in the future.” Events like this one demonstrate the importance of early career exploration and community partnerships in building a strong local workforce. Workforce Solutions East Texas is proud to help students discover their potential and learn how their future careers can contribute to the growth of our region. 

Emily Shields, from Client to Counselor

September 23, 2025
Emily Shields had a good job as an academic advisor, but something was missing. She longed for work that truly changed lives. “I wanted to do true counseling,” Emily recalls. “I wanted to help people discover their goals, not just choose courses. I wasn’t happy, and I knew I needed something more.” That “something more” came from her counselor at Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VR) at Workforce Solutions East Texas, who saw potential she hadn’t yet recognized. “He told me, ‘You have the right credentials to be a VR counselor.’ He encouraged me to send my transcripts to the state and explained the classes I needed to take to move forward. That conversation opened a door I hadn’t considered before.” Emily acted on that advice, completing the necessary courses to become eligible for a VR counselor position. Along the way, challenges arose—like technical issues with her Work In Texas account—but each obstacle led to a new connection and opportunity. When she reached out for help, she met Debra Holcomb, an Employment Service Representative, who encouraged her and guided her toward growth opportunities. “She told me she thought I would be perfect for a VR role and encouraged me to go for it,” Emily says. Debra also suggested she attend the Job Connection Workshop, where Emily met Shantel Jackson, who helped her gain confidence, improve her resume, and prepare for interviews. Emily shares. “Shantel helped calm me, gave me strategies for interviews, and helped me tweak my resume so it spoke directly to the role I wanted. I walked away feeling confident and prepared.” Her persistence paid off—Emily was offered a position as a VR counselor. “I’m working in my dream career. I’m so happy to be a VR counselor,” she says proudly. Now, she finds fulfillment helping others as she was helped. One client’s gratitude reminded her why she chose this path. Emily reflects, “I was having a tough week, and then I worked with a client who was getting hearing aids, just like me. At the end of her meeting, she hugged me and thanked me. In that moment, I thought—oh yeah, everything is totally worth this moment.” For Emily, counseling is about seeing the whole person, not just their disability. “Even something like hearing loss can impact you mentally. Behind every disability is a person with feelings, goals, and opinions. As a counselor, I have the privilege of helping them see what’s possible.” For Emily, that privilege is personal. She once stood where many of her clients stand today, unsure of the next step, but willing to reach out for help. Her journey shows the power of believing in yourself—and letting others believe in you. Emily urges others to use local workforce resources: “Don’t overlook your local workforce office. People think it’s just for unemployment and it’s not. There are so many resources and programs to help you get where you want to go in your career, so take advantage of them.” Today, Emily isn’t just working a job—she’s living her dream, helping others discover their own. And for her, that’s what makes it all worthwhile.
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