Working at Goodwill has given Isis more than a chance at a paycheck -- it has given her a chance to advance her career and provide for her family. Programs such as leadership training and educational support have helped her come a long way in her life. She says, "I feel really good about the work I do. My work pays off every day."
Tag: Financial Stability
My Story: Stephanie Gayle
Stephanie separated from her husband and had a hard time making ends meet and supporting her daughters. Goodwill's Beyond Jobs program for single mothers helped connect her to training and employment opportunities, and taught her how to budget. She now has a full-time job and a house for her two girls. She says, "It feels good to know all my hard work has paid off."
Central Michigan Pilot Program Gives Job Seekers an EDGE in Sector Employment
Even with support from agencies like Goodwill®, pathways out of poverty for the unemployed aren’t always clear. A new partnership between Goodwill Industries of Central Michigan’s Heartland (Battle Creek) and key community organizations is helping individuals living at 200 percent below the poverty level connect with education, work experience and certification in order to gain guaranteed employment.
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LA Teens Experience Life as Adults at Goodwill® Reality Event
More than 100 teens from 29 parishes in north and central Louisiana got a little taste of reality during Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana’s (Shreveport) Reality City event. During the event, youth encountered real-life scenarios, including buying a car, renting or buying a house, applying for car insurance and health insurance, buying groceries and clothing, putting children in daycare, going to the doctor and more.
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My Story: Eureeka Jackson
Eureeka became the primary caregiver for her sisters after her grandmother passed away. She entered vocational rehabilitation training at Goodwill, which helped her eventually gain a full-time position at the agency. She is now proud to be able to provide for her sisters and is working towards a college degree as a medical assistant.
Michigan Families Get Support in Moving toward Self-Sufficiency
Families in Kalamazoo, MI, will gain access to increased support as they move towards self-sufficiency, thanks to Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan's (Kalamazoo) Life Guides program. The initiative will offer long-term support by helping these families build social capital, navigate community resources, design and meet goals for their families, and earn incentives while meeting milestones.
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My Story: Vic King
Vic started his adult life on the wrong track when he didn't complete high school and started selling drugs to make ends meet. He served time in prison, but thanks to parenting classes he took while incarcerated, he regained custody of his kids upon his release. He began working at Goodwill, where he has gradually been given more responsibilities. He is also taking advantage of financial strengthening classes, and is working towards completing his GED so he can be the best role model he can be for his children.
My Story: Joette Estep
Joette was working in the retail industry and feeling financially and physically stressed when she decided to contact Goodwill about its medical office skills training program. There, she gained the confidence and computer skills she needed to be successful. As part of the program, she completed an internship, which later led to her finding full-time employment with great benefits at age 60.
My Story: Gabi Argotti
Gabi came to Goodwill as a single mom, surviving on welfare with limited work experience, and little computer and office skills. While participating in the agency's Customer Service Supply Chain program, she gained valuable computer skills that would lead to a job as a part-time receptionist, and eventually as a full-time administrative assistant, at the agency. She is now attending college and is proud to be a positive role model for her daughter.
Detroit Goodwill® Helps Single Mothers Write Stories of Success
In Michigan, Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit’s Beyond Jobs program is modeled after the agency’s nationally recognized Flip the Script program. An empowerment program with a philosophy that each individual deserves a second chance, Flip the Script gives participants the opportunity to change their life stories. Negative beginnings need not result in negative endings.
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