Julie Gentile EPA

Julie’s Success Story

“You guys have opened the door to me and I want to see how far I can go.” Julie suffered a loss and took a step back to decide her next steps. “I was terrified to lose my husband, turn 50, and figure out what I was going to do.” She knew she wanted to…

Bennet’s Success Story

“Goodwill’s culinary program taught me skills I use everyday. I still have a lot to learn, and that happens every day thanks to the good teachers here on the job. With more education and support, one day I will be opening the doors at my own place!” Three years ago, Bennet Ellefson’s dream of becoming…

Davina’s Success Story

“Goodwill helped me climb out of desperation and into a new world. I want to help others along that same path and this is a perfect way for me to do that.” In early 2019, Davina Kerrelola was doing everything she could to escape an abusive relationship in California, while trying to build a better…

Selma Success Story

Selma’s Success Story

“I love my new job. I’m so thankful that Goodwill gave me the modern workforce makeover! For those who have been out of work for a long time, SCSEP is so important because you can earn a salary while you retrain and gain real employment experience!” Eighteen years ago, Selma McCord lost her husband and…

Princeton’s Success Story

Princeton was first introduced to Goodwill’s Youth Build program by his sister. She heavily pushed him to enroll in the program so he could get his GED. Princeton was surprised by how much he enjoyed Youth Build and that the experience was more hands on then just sitting in a classroom. Since graduating Youth Build…

Gunner’s Success Story

Traditional schooling isn’t always the right option for students. This was true for Gunner Pemberton, who was referred to Goodwill® to obtain his GED. “I didn’t like school as a kid,” Gunner commented. “That’s why I came here to get my GED.” Gunner arrived at Goodwill to pursue his education, but he left with so…

Dominique Success Story

Dominique’s Success Story

Dominique had never been unemployed until last summer. For the past eight years, she has worked hard to provide for herself and her three young boys. The daughter of a pastor, Dominique felt she was not allowed to do things other kids did as a teenager. So she dropped out of school and moved out…

Deborah’s Success Story

Two years ago, Deborah was homeless, battling drug addiction and had lost custody of her children to Child Protective Services. Then she found Goodwill’s Culinary Training program. With the determination to change her life and the support of Goodwill staff, Deborah not only excelled in the program but was able to get sober and secure…

Dale’s Success Story

“I’m so inspired that I want to inspire others, so they feel the excitement that Goodwill really does change lives.” For most of his career, Dale Garcia proudly worked in the transportation industry until a severe injury left him out of work for more than two years. “I worried about how I would provide for…