As we celebrate another New Year, many of us reflect on the past and set goals for the future. It’s a time for new beginnings and self-improvement. As you think about what you want this year to hold, we want to share the story of Arquimedes and his transformative journey with Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida (Fort Myers).
Making the Most of His Time
Arquimedes first walked through the doors of Goodwill® while waiting for his work permit. Encouraged by a family member who had heard about Goodwill’s nonprofit services, he decided to explore the opportunities Goodwill offered. He was introduced to the Opportunity Accelerator®, a program designed to support individuals on their path to employment. This program would become the cornerstone of his journey to success.
Determined to make the most of his time, Arquimedes enrolled in digital classes offered by Goodwill. His dedication paid off as he earned an impressive eight certificates. Recognizing the importance of language skills, he also signed up for English classes at Goodwill and enrolled in Cape Coral Technical College to further his education.
Finding an IT Job
When Arquimedes finally received his work permit, he was ready to take the next step. Armed with new skills and confidence, he began applying for jobs. His hard work and perseverance were rewarded when he received a job offer in IT from a tech company. The position exceeded his expectations, offering not only a competitive hourly rate but also covering his travel expenses, including hotel and transportation.
The certifications, English classes, and job orientation services provided by Goodwill were instrumental in helping him secure such a promising position. He is deeply grateful for the opportunities that Goodwill made possible and considers this achievement a significant milestone for himself and his family.
As he looks to the future, Arquimedes is excited to continue gaining experience and advancing in his career. This New Year, let Arquimedes’ journey inspire us all to embrace new challenges, acquire new skills and strive for personal and professional growth. With the right support and a commitment to bettering ourselves, we can all achieve our dreams and make the coming year our best one yet.
If you want to make 2025 the year you find a career instead of just a job, reach out to your local Goodwill career center.
