At Transfr, we believe in the power of education and training to transform lives. To help make this happen, we partner with a variety of schools, workforce boards, and community organizations to bring training and employment opportunities to people from all walks of life. With the right training and community support, it’s our belief that everyone can find their own path to a well-paying job in a high-growth industry.
Our most recent example of finding a pathway to upward mobility through education comes to us in the form of a young man named Jordan Draughn and his extraordinary story. Born and raised in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Jordan faced the kind of struggles that many young people endure, with the odds seemingly stacked against them. With five siblings and only one working parent, stability was a luxury they couldn’t afford. Like many in his situation, Jordan started working at age 16 to support himself, putting school on the back burner in favor of earning a paycheck.
By his senior year, Jordan was working 40 hours a week. Despite his hard work, the feeling of success eluded him as he watched his classmates graduate and move on with their lives.
“Maybe I’m not as accomplished as I thought I was,” Jordan shares, reflecting on his situation at the time.
He moved from one minimum wage job to another — at gas stations, supermarkets, dishwashing — but he never found the sense of direction that he craved. Eventually, Jordan ended up couch surfing, his whole life packed into a single tote bag, feeling adrift.
It was during this time of uncertainty that Jordan’s mother encouraged him to explore the training programs offered by Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota (GESMN). While Jordan initially had reservations, he also realized that he had nothing to lose. The decision to enter the program changed his life.
The GESMN difference: Support, resources, and empowerment
A key differentiator of the GESMN program is the hands-on, human-centric approach that the team takes to developing people. This approach is best accomplished by professionals who have walked in the shoes of those they serve. One such exceptional champion is Roxanne Lorine. Roxanne is the workforce manager at GESMN who worked closely with Jordan and recalls his journey vividly:
“Jordan had a lot on his plate when he first came to us,” says Roxanne. “But what sets Goodwill apart is our ability to offer resources and a robust curriculum in a short amount of time. We focus on providing individuals like Jordan with the tools they need to succeed quickly, because for many, postsecondary education takes too long.”
The GESMN program offered Jordan essential support — helping him secure food assistance, transportation, and even a laptop to continue his studies. This combination of elements gave Jordan some quick wins and helped him build up some self-confidence. Within weeks of joining the workforce development program, he earned a GED and the boost in self-esteem that came with it.
“Jordan was determined to succeed, but like many students, he needed more than just technical training,” Roxanne explains. “He needed the confidence to believe in himself and the belief that a brighter future was within reach.”
The GESMN program’s holistic approach made all the difference, providing both emotional and practical support to help Jordan regain his footing. Importantly, GESMN’s approach is to help individuals when they are ready for that help — which is critical. Jordan has been in and out of GESMN programs in prior years, but this time something clicked. He was a young adult with high school in the rear view mirror; it was time to turn the page and move forward.
Jordan enrolled in the GESMN automotive program, which integrated Transfr’s virtual reality (VR) training modules. What he thought would be a simple course on tire changing and basic car maintenance turned out to be a comprehensive, immersive experience. VR allowed him to learn in virtual environments that closely simulated real-world conditions, without the fear of making mistakes on real cars.
“The first time you put the VR headset on, you feel like you’re in a new place, a new world,” says Jordan. “It’s a really good experience to have.”
Empowering learners with VR
Through the VR elements of the program, Jordan not only learned technical skills but also gained the confidence he needed to pursue his dreams.
“VR gave Jordan the ability to practice in a safe environment without fear of failure,” Roxanne explains. “It’s not just about learning how to change a tire; it’s about empowering our students to step into real-world roles with confidence. Virtual reality allowed Jordan to understand the steps before working on a car, making him more focused and prepared when he actually did the work.”
The immersive nature of VR training gave Jordan the practical knowledge he needed to walk into the shop and feel ready to tackle tasks like lifting cars, changing tires, and performing oil changes — all skills that helped him land a job at Firestone.
Towards brighter future: Building a career and a family
But Jordan’s story doesn’t stop with securing a job. Today, he’s studying to become a Master Technician at Saint Paul College, steadily earning certifications and deepening his expertise. From being homeless and uncertain of his future, Jordan now has his own place he can call home, professional stability, and the ability to support his growing family.
“I have a 3 month old son now!” Jordan shared with pride. “And because of the skills I learned at Goodwill, I can take care of him now and give him the opportunities that I didn’t have.
“Jordan’s success is a testament to what happens when you invest in people and give them the chance to grow,” Roxanne adds. “We’re proud of what he’s accomplished and excited to see him continue to thrive.”
At Transfr, we’re committed to creating career opportunities for everyone, and through partnerships like the one with Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota, we’re making that vision a reality. We are not just training people for jobs; we’re helping them build lives they can be proud of.
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