My Story: Barbara Delbridge

June 14, 2010 | By Jenni B. Baker | Subscribe to "My Story" RSS

I came to be involved with Goodwill Industries^® Serving Central Virginia and Hampton Roads in 2006, when I came home from a correctional facility. I had to apply for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) services because I had no income, and no means to take care of my daughter and myself. Upon getting TANF, they introduced me to the Transition to Independence and Employment (TIE) Program, which was located inside the Goodwill Industries.

I stayed in the TIE program for three weeks, and that’s when I sought employment working in the production area of Goodwill’s main plant, where I priced items for retail stores. I stayed there a little over a year. Now I am the One-Stop Career Center liaison for the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), and I also do outreach service for state and federal correctional facilities.

Goodwill^® allowed me the opportunity to come and be an encouragement for individuals that have disadvantages and challenges. Because of my own circumstances, they allow me to talk with individuals and help them get reacclimated back into the work world. Our WIA services allow 500 people a week to get retrained to get back to work.

I’m grateful and thankful to Goodwill for allowing me to be that individual to help encourage individuals and give back to my community.

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9 Comments

1. Kristina Pagan June 14th, 2010 at 2:07 pm

   Thank you for sharing your story, Barbara.  Your
   perseverance and commitment will help to make other people’s lives better.  You are truly a Goodwill Ambassador.
    

   Reply
2. Ebony Bonner June 14th, 2010 at 2:29 pm

   Thanks Barbara. You story is very inspiring and lets other know who are in similar situations know that it is possible to transition into employment.

   Reply
3. Peter Topkis June 14th, 2010 at 3:23 pm

   Thank you Barbara for sharing your experience. You are truly an important part of our Goodwill community.

   Reply
4. Marsha R Banks June 15th, 2010 at 1:55 pm

   Thanks Barbara for sharing your story, we have a lot in common,  I work for the Goodwill in Harrisburg.  But its nice to know that you are sharing your success with others.  Keep up the good work.

   Reply
5. Stephanie Weldon June 15th, 2010 at 4:56 pm

   Thank you Barbara for sharing. Your success story is an inspiration to many.

   Reply
6. Leslie Thayer July 7th, 2010 at 5:09 pm

   Thank you for sharing and congratulations on your accomplishments. Your work and efforts are of tremendous value and I admire your courage and tenacity.

   Reply