News Release
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Georgia Woman Finds Purpose Motivating Others
Pensola Parsons Named Goodwill’s Graduate of the Year |
| May 3, 2005 |
Rockville, MD —
Hopeless, homeless, and unemployed, Pensola Parsons turned to Goodwill
Industries to help transform her life. Her history of bulimia and 20
years of alcohol and drug abuse had prevented her from finding
meaningful work. In a Goodwill job-training program, she learned new
skills, discovered more about her inner capabilities and strengths, and
got a job that eventually led to her current career, helping others who
are facing similar obstacles. Parsons’ resilience, determination and
ongoing success, along with her contributions to the community, earned
her Goodwill Industries International’s prestigious 2005 Graduate of
the Year award.
Parsons’ transition from homelessness to a
stable work and home life began at Goodwill Industries of Middle
Georgia and the CSRA in Augusta, GA. She enrolled in the WORKing
Solutions Homeless Program, where she received computer training,
customer service training, clothing assistance, housing referrals, and
transportation assistance over 11 months.
Her contact with
Goodwill led to a full-time position as a cook at Three Springs of
Augusta, a drug and alcohol treatment facility for troubled teens.
After several promotions, she is now the assistant unit director.
Parsons coordinates volunteer projects for the youth, including working
at a local food bank, soup kitchen and nursing home. She also plans and
supervises off-site social activities such as skating and basketball
games.
“The power of work has a tremendous ripple effect on
people’s lives. Once a person is gainfully employed, he or she gains
the confidence to make broader changes in their personal lives that go
beyond providing the basic necessities,” says George W. Kessinger,
President and CEO of Goodwill Industries International.“Work boosts
self-esteem and is the basis upon which people not only support
themselves and their families but also their neighbors, communities,
and society at large.”
Parsons’ employment has removed her
need for public housing and government subsidies. She has regained
custody of her daughter, moved into a larger apartment, and has been
clean and sober for more than three years. Parsons is also an active
volunteer in her community and counsels people who are still in the
grips of the life that she left behind. Parsons says, “Goodwill is
about giving and helping someone, giving them a helping hand until
they’re able to help themselves.”
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