My Story: Christie Jarrell
January 18, 2010 | By Jenni Baker | 
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I was raised in North Carolina with my mother and my stepfather. Their relationship was physically violent. As I got older, I had two children at a very young age and started to abuse alcohol and other substances.
Before I came to Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina I had gotten custody of my children back through the court system and I had been sober for about a year and a half. I had just lost my job and I was really devastated and worried about how I was going to take care of my children.
I was referred to Goodwill to learn some job skills to help me become independent and self-sufficient. I took advantage of job training services, including cover letter and resume preparation. I learned how to present myself for a business interview, and how to go out into the workplace and feel confident about myself.
Christie Jarrell counsels a client at the Path of Hope rehabilitation facility in Lexington, NC.
My initial career goal was to just establish employment. I wanted to be able to know that I was bringing home income to cover the expenses, to cover basic needs for my family. After I obtained a job, I decided to work toward becoming a substance abuse clinician and I am now getting ready to earn my certification.
My long-term goal is to open my own substance abuse facility that has spiritual counseling as well as emergency catering to clients who need clothing, shelter and detox. Goodwill created the bridge that allowed me to find employment. Not only that, they taught me the value of dedicating yourself to the community and giving back to others.
View a quick video of how Goodwill helped Christie succeed.
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Having met Christie, I was impressed by her ability to lead by example. She overcame addiction and now helps others who are recovering. Talk about paying it forward! Great job Christie!
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I was just looking at Goodwill home page for donation hours. What a wonderfully positive way to start the morning. Good news and may Christie continue on her path to helping herself so that that she may be of service to others.
I have been such a blessed individual in my opportunities for growth and my career path. I am honored that Goodwill has chosen to share my story and it is the clients’ and role models in my life that inspire me to continue striving for my dreams and goals!!! Thank you Goodwill for enhancing my skills and allowing me to use my potentional. Also thank you Path of Hope, Inc. for helping those who suffer from the disease of alcoholism and addiction!
Christie, congratulations on your new path! I hope you continue to be successful. It’s so nice to hear a story like yours, instead of someone who doesn’t want to help themselves. I’ll always help someone who’s willing to help themselves – as I received help the same way. Stay strong! Your kids will appreciate it!