“The happiest moments of my life? One would be when my daughter was born. The other would be when I graduated from Goodwill, because I’d never graduated from anything before.” Lacey is a proud, 22-year old single mom of a thriving three-year old daughter. A recent graduate of the Goodwill Career Pathways and Custodial Programs, she also just marked her first year of sobriety.
This well-spoken young woman recounts, “I’m thankful for my recovery. I’d reached a point of having no hope and was doing nothing with my life. I had a young child and was cleaning houses to earn money. My resume didn’t look good because I couldn’t keep a job. A year ago I found A.A., got a sponsor, got sober and went forward from there.”
“I didn’t feel I could be a barista, because I didn’t smile enough, “ Lacey remarked. “I didn’t have good people skills, but I thought the Goodwill Custodial Skills program would be a good idea for me.”
As it turns out, the training program was more than a good idea. It fit perfectly with her strength of character, determination and goals. “I never experienced anything like this. They work with you and your circumstances. Even if you don’t ask, they offer help. I get emotional just talking about it.” One of the highlights of her required two-week Pathways course was reworking what she considered a terrible resume to one that was strong. “I read it and thought, oh my goodness! I also now know how to talk to customers and make them happy.” she recounts. “I also learned how to interview for future jobs. I never had so many people interview me until I came to Goodwill.” Today Lacey is looking forward to finding work in the custodial field.
You can help a Goodwill participant find success through the power of work by
making a financial gift today. Thank you!