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.

TWC Launches New Child Care Resources Webpage

May 26, 2026
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) today announced the launch of a new online resource for Texas employers. The Child Care Resources for Employers webpage is designed to help employers better support their employees’ child care needs. “We are empowering Texas employers with the tools they need to support working families, which is a critical component of our state’s economy,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “This resource is a strategic investment in our workforce that helps businesses retain talent and ensures Texas remains the best state to live, work, and raise a family.” The new webpage was created in response to Senate Bill 1265, passed by the 89th Texas Legislature. It offers clear information on several topics including child care assistance programs, available state and federal tax credits, and dependent care savings accounts. The webpage also shares best practices and policies that businesses can adopt to help their employees access reliable child care. Studies show that supporting child care needs can improve employee morale, reduce absences, and increase productivity. The Texas Restaurant Association (TRA) was a key partner in passing the legislation and developing the webpage. Their advocacy highlighted the need for these resources across all industries. “We hear consistently from local business operators that they want to help their employees access child care, but they don’t know where to start,” said TRA Chief Public Affairs Officer and Co-Founder of Employers for Childcare (E4C) Kelsey Erickson Streufert. “We are grateful for the TWC’s partnership creating the new Child Care Resources for Employers webpage, and we look forward to building on this momentum to expand working families’ access to affordable, quality childcare.” This new resource makes it easier for Texas employers to offer benefits that help attract and retain their workforce. The webpage provides guidance on how employers can survey their staff to understand their specific child care challenges. This helps businesses offer the most effective and impactful support. The Child Care Resources for Employers page can be found within the Texas Work & Family Policies section of the TWC website. Employers are encouraged to visit the webpage to learn more.

A Team You Can Always Turn To: Tahyua Crowder’s Journey with Workforce Solutions East Texas

May 22, 2026
When Tahyua Crowder arrived in Tyler, she was searching for more than a job. She was searching for stability, hope, and a fresh start. After leaving a domestic violence situation, she found herself rebuilding her life in a new city, uncertain of what the future would hold. But one thing she did know was where to turn for support. Having worked with Workforce Solutions programs from across the state of Texas since the age of 15, Tahyua understood the value of having a team that believed in her potential. “Every time I was in a bind, I knew I needed to go back to Workforce Solutions to tighten up,” she shared. “I was always able to go to Workforce.” Although Tahyua was in a new place with new people, she knew there was a Workforce Solutions office somewhere close. Eventually, she arrived at a Workforce Solutions East Texas office for assistance where she was able to access services through the CHOICES program for TANF recipients. From the beginning, Tahyua stood out. She approached every step of the program with determination and professionalism, completing her job search logs correctly from day one. Her secret was simple but powerful: organization and discipline. “Take notes. Write everything down. Don’t rely on memory,” she advised. “Set personal deadlines before the actual due date.” As she participated in the Keys to Success class, a webinar series designed to support and develop job readiness skills, Tahyua found encouragement not only from staff, but also from her peers. Listening to others share their experiences helped her reflect on her own growth and motivated her to keep moving forward. She described the Workforce Solutions team as “very loving, very caring, and warm,” adding that throughout her journey, staff ensured she had access to every available resource, from transportation assistance and gas cards to guidance in making career choices. What impacted Tahyua the most was the unwavering support and dignity she received during one of the hardest seasons of her life. “I was so lost when I moved here,” she said. “Everyone was very encouraging. They were adamant that I get up and understood that I had the power to change my life.” That encouragement and support eventually paid off. After completing program services and participating in mock interviews through WIOA, Tahyua impressed staff with her confidence and professionalism. Her success during those interviews opened new opportunities and strengthened her confidence in what she was capable of achieving. Tahyua was eventually offered a job on the CHOICES team. Her CHOICES Career Navigator, Jessica Vinson, remembers the moment well, stating that she just knew that Tahyua “would be a great addition to our already great CHOICES team!” Tahyua proudly served as a coworker alongside the very team that once supported her through crisis and transition. “Mount Everest had nothing on me,” she said when describing the transition from participant to employee. Unfortunately, restructuring happened in the program which caused Tahyua to begin job searching again. Although sad to leave her new team, she refused to let this event bring her down. So, Tahyua came through the doors of Workforce Solutions East Texas as a client once more. Not long after beginning job search, Tahyua found an exciting new career opportunity that was the perfect fit for her. Tahyua began working at LHH as an Insurance Agency Specialty. Tahyua shared that her recruiter at the company said that the interviewing team had “nothing but to say but amazing things” about her interview and they were thoroughly impressed. Tahyua is now confident and thriving in her new role with a great salary. “I felt accomplished,” she said. “This has been such an uphill battle. I was nervous and afraid I was going to lose everything. When I got that offer, I said I knew I could do this.” Today, Tahyua continues building a future she once feared was out of reach. She says her experience taught her that perseverance truly pays off, and that success comes from learning to bloom where you are planted. Now, Tahyua has even higher ambitions. “I want to go higher. Make management. Be over my own team and be in a position where I can treat others with the dignity and respect that I was given from my team at Workforce.” Throughout her journey, Tahyua remained grateful to her Career Navigator and dedicated team at Workforce Solutions East Texas that supported her through her journey. To others beginning their own journey, Tahyua offers this advice: “Blow your ceiling. Don’t have limits. Erase everything you’ve been through and what you’re coming from.”  Her hope is that others facing difficult circumstances will see her story and realize that success is possible no matter where they begin. “I hope someone will see my story and understand that the distance from the bottom to the top is not as far as it seems.” Her journey, from participant to staff member to her new role as an Insurance Agency Specialty worker, represents perseverance, resilience, the power of a dedicated support network, and the importance of believing in yourself even during life’s hardest moments.

Let’s Get Motivated: Strengthening Teams in Athens

May 22, 2026
CCS Business Industry Support staff Tonia and Aerial recently facilitated a successful Directors Connect session in Athens, titled “Let’s Get Motivated.” This professional development training focused on empowering early childhood leaders with effective strategies to build motivated, engaged, and committed teams. Throughout the session, participants explored practical approaches to boosting staff morale, strengthening workplace relationships, and reducing employee turnover. The training highlighted how motivation, recognition, communication, and strong leadership practices directly influence staff performance and long-term retention. Directors also examined both intrinsic and extrinsic motivators, gained insight into effective feedback practices, and engaged in reflective activities designed to support professional growth within their programs. Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Directors particularly appreciated learning new and creative ways to celebrate and recognize their staff. Many also valued the training’s encouragement-focused approach, noting that it provided them with practical, actionable strategies to uplift and support their teams. This session reinforced the important role early childhood leaders play in fostering positive workplace cultures where staff feel valued, supported, and empowered—an essential foundation for strong, thriving programs.
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