Former Goodyear Workers Take Advantage of Grant
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Local officials urged former Goodyear employees, who were out of work, to take advantage of an opportunity before they missed out on it. Especially ones offered through a $3.5 million grant. Larry Holtzcalw and Rebecca Colston said they were devastated when they had to put off their wedding, after both lost their jobs when the Union City Goodyear plant closed in July. The couple said they planned a future together, but said now they would exchange vows after both finish school. “I was disheartened by the loss of my job, I was like, I have no idea what I’m gonna do now,” said Holtzcalw. But Colston said both jumped at the opportunity when they heard about the state grant for workers laid off by Goodyear. “Oh, there’s going to be a schooling possibility for me, that’s great! I’ve got to do something to get back into the workforce with 3 young kids,” said Colston. Connie Stewart, director of the Goodyear Grant, said it is a national emergency grant for $3.5 million, and the best part of the grant is it helps, not only dislocated Goodyear employees, but also their spouses and children. “But we want them to come in right now,” urged Stewart. She added that the grant would not last forever. Enrollment to take advantage of the grant ends March 30, 2012. State funding aids in tuition assistance, travel expenses, workshops, and training. “Without this grant I would of been back working probably minimum wage, probably $10 an hour job,” said Colston. Stewart said former Goodyear employees can call (731) 884-3868 or stop by the Tennessee Career Center for Goodyear in Union City, to enroll and receive assistance from the grant before March 30.
