Montreal Ellis had several barriers to employment and, at one point, was classified as an at-risk youth. All that changed with Montreal’s determination and the relationship that he started with Goodwill Industries Supported Employment Program and Louisiana Rehabilitation Services. Montreal went through an extensive assessment and was placed with a Goodwill Supported Placement Specialist. This specialist worked individually with him on job readiness skills. He was met at the job site for all job interviews and was personally prepared for each. After each interview he was coached on ways to improve in the future. His Placement Specialist also went to individual job sites and met with the managers to open doors for interviews.

In November, 2013, Montreal was hired at Sam’s Town Casino as a Porter. He was assigned a Job Coach/Retention Specialist who would meet him on the job to observe and assist in ways to effectively complete his tasks. She would meet with his direct supervisors to discuss his progress and address any issues that were of concern, insuring that both the employer and employee were having their needs met.

Montreal’s job has made a big difference in his life. He’s gotten married and now has a three month old son. Montreal even received a merit increase in pay for a job well done. In the future, he hopes to get a better job so he and his family can get a better house to live in and his wife can go to school.