Born with cerebral palsy, Brenda was told she would never be able to drive, have children or graduate from high school. Despite these predictions, Brenda received her high school diploma in January 2017 through her hard work and persistence.
Category: My Story
My Story: Everardo Jaimez
Through hard work, determination and some help from his local Goodwill, Everado Jamiez was able to overcome homelessness and is now employed as a Customer Service Representative helping the residents of Greensboro, NC.
My Story: Brian Miller
Brian Miller persevered through a difficult, challenging youth and turned his life around with hard work and help from Goodwill.
My Story: Socorro Garcia
After realizing that she was no longer going to let being deaf define her for the rest of her life, Socorro found the self-confidence and willpower with the help of Goodwill of North Georgia to become the product merchandising team lead at Big Lots.
My Story: Carolyn Smith
After finding the courage and the willpower to break away from an abusive relationship, Carolyn Smith was able to thrive with the help of her local Goodwill. She now works to provide care and hope for women who are recovering from a number of substance abuse addictions.
My Story: John Moore
After finding himself unemployed and subsequently homeless after a series of unfortunate events, John Moore was able to persevere and regain all that he had lost with the support of Discover Goodwill's Rehire Program.
My Story: Emmetri Beane
Following a brain aneurysm, two strokes and an epilepsy diagnosis, Emmetri Beane found employment and a supportive team at Rappahannock Goodwill Industries (Fredericksburg, VA).
My Story: Carl Alexander
Carl Alexander was an NCAA football star and military veteran, but he found himself homeless and in need of a hand up. Goodwill helped him gain the skills he needed to launch a construction career and business.
My Story: Brianne Hoagland
Placed by Ohio Valley Goodwill’s Employment Services team in August 2016, Brianne has certainly made a positive impression on her new employer- being promoted within months of being hired. “I love my new job! Its been 8 years since I have been employed and I am very excited, It’s a dream come true!!
My Story: Alain Carrera
Before Alain Carrera received job training from Goodwill, he was supporting his wife and three children by working in a warehouse where he earned a nominal hourly wage. The wages barely covered the family's modest expenses. Eventually, he and his wife decided that it was time to make a change.
My Story: Derrick Glass
More than 20 years ago, Derrick Glass's vocational rehabilitation counselor referred him to Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont for a vocational evaluation to assess his work skills, seek services and programs that could help him become more independent, and learn the skills necessary to become a successful employee. Derrick has been diagnosed with high-functioning autism, but he thrives in his work environment by offering outstanding customer service and valuing the contributions of the individuals he encounters.
My Story: Sarah Pine
My name is Sarah Pine. I am a single mother of three children, a grateful recovering addict with six years clean, and I have a learning disability. I grew up in an alcoholic home and started using drugs with my mother when I was nine years old.
