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As you start this new year, you might be reflecting on what you accomplished and what you hope to do in the upcoming year. Setting goals can be an excellent way to continue advancing and building a life you love.
Justin had a goal, too. He wanted to graduate from high school, but sometimes life forces us in a different direction.
Justin is an only child and has always had a great relationship with his mom. When she fell ill, life turned upside down. Justin had to take on more responsibility and grow up fast to help manage the household. Unfortunately, that meant dropping out of school to work more hours.
Earning a High School Diploma
Eventually, his mom did recover, but so much time had passed since he was last enrolled that Justin found it difficult to return to school. After a while, he came to Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina (Greenville) to meet with an employment specialist.
While he came into the Goodwill® career center looking for a job, during their conversation, the employment specialist realized that the LifeLaunch program could help him accomplish both his dream of completing high school and help him find a better paying job.
Unfortunately, the LifeLaunch program was full. With each enrollment cycle, the majority of students admitted had some sort of justice involvement, and only 10% of students came to the program just for educational benefit.
Justin stayed positive through this initial disappointment, and then he received the call. The program was finally able to enroll more students, which meant Justin could work toward that coveted high school diploma.
Along with earning his degree, Justin decided to enroll in OSHA 10 and forklift training at Midlands Technical College. This earned him a position as a forklift operator at a local company.
Finding a Long-Term Career
After graduation, he continued his education with a welding course. When he needed steel-toe boots for class, Goodwill and LifeLaunch were able to provide them, so he didn’t have to worry about the financial burden it might bring to his family.
Justin lives by his motto, “I want to be the best me I can be,” and he proves it every day. Now, Justin has a clear path forward to a career, along with his diploma and numerous certificates. Time will only tell what Justin will achieve in the year to come.
If you have goals for 2026 but need some support to get there, please reach out to your local Goodwill. Goodwill thrift stores fund programs like this to ensure everyone has access to opportunities despite the challenge life can throw at us.
