My Story: Larry Dominguez

Veteran Larry Dominguez had been out of work for the past year and on unemployment benefits when the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily closed many businesses in Las Vegas. The perfect storm impacted Larry, causing him to feel depressed about being unemployed, under skilled and without income. In fact, after serving in the Army, Army National Guard and Navy Reserves, Larry found himself homeless from 2009 – 2012 and was finally getting back on his feet before losing his job as a security guard in 2019.

During his visit with a veteran career coach at Goodwill Southern Nevada, Larry learned about the Goodwill’s federal grant dedicated to helping veterans. He could pursue occupational skills training as well as gain work experience in a new field, if he desired. He shared that his career dream was to help animals as a veterinary assistant.

After working with a career workshop facilitator, Larry had an updated résumé and was ready for interviews. A Goodwill job developer helped him find a hands-on work experience opportunity with Spay & Neuter Center of Las Vegas. To prepare for making a good impression at his interview, Larry received a gas card and interview clothing.

He did extremely well on his interview with Spay & Neuter Center and starts his work experience program very soon. Larry is very appreciative of the Goodwill services and now very excited about the future.

“Goodwill gave me hope again and a new start,” he said.

Larry realizes that this is just the start of his journey, but it means so much to him to be able to have a new start.

Story made possible by Goodwill Southern Nevada