When Anthony Gomez walked into the Ottumwa IowaWORKS office, he wasn’t just searching for a job — he was searching for a second chance.
Referred in Feb. 2024 while housed at the Ottumwa Residential Correctional Facility, Anthony began working with Reentry Career Planner Blaine Sunderman and IowaWORKS Career Planner Angie Hill. What began as resume support quickly became a year-long partnership focused on rebuilding confidence, skills, and long-term stability.
Anthony immersed himself in every opportunity available. He attended Job Club Workshops, completed Allison trainings, participated in interview and resume workshops, and became a regular presence at the IowaWORKS office. He didn’t just apply for jobs — he researched employers, studied career pathways, prepared for interviews, and built a plan for the future.
With a welding simulator certification completed while incarcerated, Anthony targeted an opportunity at Vermeer in Pella, Iowa. His vision wasn’t just employment — it was growth. His long-term goal was to enter IT training and work his way into a technology career, starting with any opportunity that would open the door.
Before his interview, Anthony completed a mock interview with Career Planner Adam Phipps, received targeted feedback, and prepared thoroughly for the hiring process. On Oct. 20, 2025, Anthony was hired at Vermeer as a welder at $25 per hour.
During Vermeer’s mandatory training period — where passing exams is required to maintain employment — Anthony earned 100% on every test, training alongside experienced welders and former John Deere employees. He was placed on one of the plant’s fastest-paced, highest-quality production lines.
“Failure was not an option,” Anthony said.
His success extended far beyond the workplace. Anthony paid off his rent at the Ottumwa RCF, was approved to begin searching for housing, purchased his first car, and secured his first auto loan — building real stability for the first time.
In December, Anthony was injured while helping a co-worker whose clothing caught fire at the plant, suffering second-degree burns to his fingers. Though temporarily off work during recovery, his focus remains forward.
Anthony credits the support system around him for changing the trajectory of his life.
“Being at IowaWORKS allowed me to research companies, prepare for interviews, and ask better questions,” Anthony shared. “Angie Hill helped me learn how to present myself effectively. Brenda Noe supported me through onboarding. They didn’t just help me get a job — they helped me prepare for a future.”
Anthony Gomez’s story reflects what’s possible when opportunity meets preparation — and when reentry support, workforce development, and community partnerships work together to create real pathways forward.
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About the Iowa Department of Corrections
The Iowa Department of Corrections is making significant strides to implement evidence-based practices system-wide that are proven to reduce victimization, reduce recidivism and enhance community safety. The IDOC is a nationally recognized leader in corrections for innovation and implementation of evidence-based practices. Being on the forefront of innovation and practice, the IDOC continues its commitment to be the best corrections system in the country.
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