Success Story: Antionia – Rising Strong

February 27, 2026

When Antionia arrived for her first Job Connection class at the Workforce Solutions East Texas Longview office on August 5, 2025, she stepped inside with a mix of nerves and hope. As she entered the class, it was clear that she wasn’t just looking for a job. She was searching for a chance to begin again.


At that time, Antionia was staying at the Hope Center in Longview. The shelter gave her safety, but she longed for something permanent, something steady. Despite the uncertainty in her life, she showed up with a fierce desire to rebuild. From the moment she sat down in class, it was clear she was ready to do the work.


With guidance from staff, she created a polished resume, updated her Work in Texas profile, and explored job leads. Each task, whether big or small, became a stepping stone toward the future she envisioned. She held tightly to every piece of support, letting it become the steady light guiding her next steps.


When she returned the following week, she carried herself differently—straighter posture, stronger voice, brighter eyes. Her determination had deepened. She reviewed applications, followed up on leads, and talked openly about her dream of finding stability and independence. She didn’t want a shortcut. She wanted a real path forward.


During her visit, she also applied for a GAP warehouse position, a role that seemed perfectly aligned with her strengths and work ethic. Not long after, Antionia received the call she had been waiting for: she had landed a job interview. Excited but nervous, she sought help from her friends at Workforce Solutions East Texas. Her support team rallied around her, determined to help her make the most of the opportunity.


By October, all her persistence paid off. Antionia shared the news with pride in her voice: she had been hired at GAP. 

But progress rarely comes without obstacles.


A short time later, she discovered a mistake in her email address—one small typo that caused her to miss a crucial message from GAP. The realization hit her hard. After everything she had worked for, she feared she had lost her chance.


Instead of shutting down, Antionia came back to the office immediately. Her resume was corrected, and LaShawn Crawford, a member of the Workforce Solutions East Texas Outreach team, contacted GAP’s HR team to explain the situation. After a brief conversation with LaShawn, the HR team was more than happy to resend the link for her new hire orientation. Relief washed over Antionia, and her determination to succeed grew even stronger. She walked out of the office with renewed confidence, ready for whatever came next.


Within just three weeks, she earned a full-time position and began working overtime. Her supervisors saw what everyone who met her already knew, she was hardworking, dependable, and eager to grow.

Her life began to shift. She moved out of the shelter and into a family member’s home while searching for her own apartment. With each passing day, she stepped closer to independence, to stability, to the life she had promised herself.

Throughout her journey, Outreach Specialist LaShawn Crawford played a meaningful role. Reflecting on the experience, LaShawn shared, “To be a part of this life change is so fulfilling. This is what it’s all about—helping people find hope again.”


Today, Antionia stands not as a reflection of the struggles she endured, but as a shining testament to resilience. She is thriving in her new job, rebuilding her life piece by piece, and proving each day that determination can transform even the hardest beginnings into stories of victory.


She speaks with deep gratitude for the team at Workforce Solutions East Texas—their guidance, their encouragement, and the services offered freely and without hesitation. Above all, she credits the steadfast support of Outreach Specialist LaShawn Crawford. “LaShawn was very delightful and she helped me. I’ve come a long way and I just really appreciate LaShawn. She made sure I had what I need,” Antionia shared. She even credits LaShawn with helping her find the apartment she recently moved into, a milestone that symbolizes just how far she has come. "LaShawn referred me to the apartments and I love it. It's not perfect or fancy, but it's mine."


Her journey is a powerful reminder that hope is real, change is possible, and sometimes all it takes is the courage to take that first step.


And Antionia took that step; bravely, boldly, beautifully.

Texas Adds 40,100 Jobs in January as Job Growth Outpaces Nation

April 6, 2026
Texas added 40,100 nonfarm jobs in January to reach a total of 14,379,500 positions. Over the year, the state added 112,200 jobs for an annual nonfarm growth rate of 0.8 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.6 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,955,200 after decreasing by 3,400 over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 152,000 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas remained stable at 4.3 percent. “Texas employers continue to spur our state’s economic momentum, adding more than 40,000 jobs across a wide range of major industries,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “TWC remains committed to supporting Texas’ pro-growth policies and world-class talent pipeline that make Texas the best place to do business.” The Construction industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in January after adding 11,800 jobs. Construction also posted an annual growth rate of 3.4 percent in January, which was the highest of any major industry. The Leisure and Hospitality industry and Private Education and Health Services industry each added 10,300 jobs over the month while Professional and Business Services added 10,200. “The growth we're seeing in sectors like Construction and Leisure and Hospitality is promising, but we need to ensure these jobs translate into real opportunities for Texas workers,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Trevino III. “That's why TWC's focus on apprenticeship programs and initiatives like the Jobs and Education for Texans grant is vital, providing the training and resources Texans need to succeed in these growing fields and build lasting careers.” The Amarillo metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.3 percent in January. It was followed by the Midland MSA at 3.4 percent and the San Angelo MSA at 3.5 percent. “Job growth in Texas continues to outpace the nation thanks in large part to a dynamic workforce system that enables both employers and job seekers to thrive,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “TWC resources connect working Texans with high-demand career opportunities while ensuring Texas businesses have access to a skilled workforce.” Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. *All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data, visit TexasLMI.com. The Texas Labor Market Information Data for February is scheduled to be released on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).

Windows of Opportunity Regionwide Job Fair Returns April 28

By Workforce Solutions East Texas • April 1, 2026
Tuesday, April 28 | Athens, Longview, Marshall, Palestine, and Tyler

Dr. Robert Haberle Honored with Regional Shining Star Award

March 24, 2026
The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) has recognized Dr. Robert Haberle with the Regional Shining Star Award, a distinction reserved for individuals who go above and beyond in service to the region. Unlike traditional awards, the Regional Shining Star Award is not part of a public nomination process. It is presented only in rare cases when someone demonstrates exceptional, long-term commitment to ETCOG and its programs. Dr. Haberle’s 15 years of service make him a clear and deserving recipient. Dr. Haberle has served on the Workforce Solutions East Texas Board since 2011. During that time, he has played a key role in shaping workforce development efforts across the region. Workforce Solutions East Texas operates with an annual budget of more than $60 million, providing no-cost employment and recruitment services to businesses and job seekers. Over the past year alone, those efforts have supported more than 81,000 businesses and individuals. The program has awarded nearly $1 million in job training scholarships, helped thousands of unemployment claimants return to work, and provided child care assistance to more than 9,000 families. It has also invested millions into improving child care quality and supporting local providers. Dr. Haberle’s leadership has helped guide these efforts year after year, contributing to long-term impact across East Texas communities. Board members are appointed by local elected officials, and Dr. Haberle was appointed by Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis. Throughout his tenure, he has served in several leadership roles, including Chair of the Workforce Centers Committee, Vice Chairman, and Board Chairman. From October 2016 through September 2022, he served six years as Chairman. During that time, he helped strengthen collaboration between the Workforce Board and the CEO Board, ensuring alignment and shared leadership across the region. Even after his time as Chairman, Dr. Haberle has remained actively involved. He continues to lead the Workforce Centers Committee and has played an important role in the development of new workforce centers in Longview and Tyler. His service extends beyond East Texas. Dr. Haberle currently serves as Vice Chair of the Texas Association of Workforce Boards and represents the region at the national level through the National Association of Workforce Boards. Prior to his work in workforce development, Dr. Haberle served as Mayor of Jacksonville from 2005 to 2011. During that time, he also represented the city on the ETCOG General Board and contributed to regional efforts through the Texas Municipal League. Dr. Haberle’s leadership, service, and dedication have left a lasting impact on workforce development and regional collaboration in East Texas.  ETCOG proudly recognizes Dr. Robert Haberle as a Regional Shining Star Award recipient and thanks him for his continued commitment to the communities he serves.
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