At age 14, my parents got divorced. They were both drinking and fighting a lot. I started hanging with the wrong crowd. I started cutting school, cutting classes and began to smoke cigarettes. Eventually, while doing drugs and drinking – I went out, stayed out late. I basically stopped going to school. I got pregnant.
Tag: Women
My Story: Cassandra Rolle
Cassandra Rolles came to Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont (Charlotte, NC) in 2013. The Goodwill helped her gain employment skills and experience through a variety of temporary positions before connecting her with a temp-to-perm position in the county government.
My Story: Nadia Patterson
When Nadia Patterson moved from New York to North Carolina with her children, she had limited job prospects. Goodwill Industries of the Southern PIedmont (Charlotte, NC) helped her get back on track by earning her GED, pursuing secondary education and landing a job in her dream field as a pharmacy technician.
Goodwill® Conveys Need for Welfare Reform Before Congress
This week I had the great pleasure of working with Boyd Brown, area director of employment & training of Goodwill Easter Seals Minnesota (St. Paul), as he testified before a Congressional subcommittee. The hearing, which was on welfare reform proposals, specifically involved the reauthorization of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. His testimony provided great insight into the journey of an individual on public assistance, struggling to find a job and the challenges faced by case managers trying to put people to work.
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My Story: Lisa Smith
Sixteen years ago, I was a professional vocalist on my way to landing a recording contract. However, my life took a dramatic turn when I was rear-ended by a drunk driver. The near-fatal wreck left me paralyzed from the waist down.
My Story: Sandy Young
After the first proper introduction of what Goodwill does – I was hooked. I had no idea that every item I donated went to create job training and placement. Now, since I am trained to be a Goodwill Ambassador (volunteer), I am able to tell even more people about the amazing ways Goodwill creates a more employable community.
My Story: Mariam Bleuez
After graduating in law, I left Morocco to join my Quebec-born husband in Montreal. Upon arrival, I had difficulty adapting to all the changes because I felt very isolated. Alone at home, I decided to look for work only to be disappointed as doors were closed to me due to my lack of work experience in Quebec. My determination allowed me to land a job in a fast food restaurant, but I was unfulfilled. A colleague spoke to me about Goodwill Renaissance Montreal.
My Story: Jakelia Dooley-Jones
Like many others in my program at Goodwill Industries of Michiana’s (South Bend) Second Chance @ Work Program, I was enrolled because of a felony I committed in 2009. During this point in my life I ran into many financial issues, so I began selling drugs.
My Story: Sandra Collins
Hello, my name is Sandra Collins. I’m a new homeowner and the manager of Goodwill of the Olympics & Rainer Region (Tacoma)’s new outlet store in Olympia, WA. My life is fulfilling and very different from just eight years ago.
Top Three Things Your Mom Wants For Mother’s Day
This Sunday will be my first Mother’s Day as a mom and my new perspective has me looking at the years ahead. I imagine the man I hope my two-month-old will grow up to be: a kind, responsible, and loving person who honestly enjoys his time with me. If your mom is anything like I am, there are the three things she’ll want most this Mother’s Day.
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