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.

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.

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.  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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