Susan Dobyns had absolutely no computer skills. She had been employed with the Peoria Postal Service for more than 12 years. She lost her income, her home and all motivation. Then she saw the ad for a free computer class at Goodwill. And what followed resulted in Susan receiving the 2008 Achiever of the Year award from the central Illinois agency at its recent Recognition Event.
Brenda Wilder, Program Developer and computer instructor, noted, “When she first came to class, it was evident that she was at the bottom emotionally and physically and in need of help to find her way out. Through her determination to learn the computer, get back into the workforce, and reconnect with life again, she began the ascent upward. From that point forward, she became an aggressive learner.” By the end of the eight-week class, Susan gave her own PowerPoint presentation, which included Excel graphs. It was a total turn around by someone who had previously lost all hope.
Susan comments, “I am using the computer to write letters to employers, family and friends. I have reconnected with the world on an emotional level and now have a passion for life. For us baby boomers with no computer experience to maintain employment skills, it’s tough. We must have the knowledge. I do not believe a one hour class would have broken through my psychological barriers so that I could have learned these skills. I honestly believe that being a Christian and having Brenda Wilder as my teacher were a godsend and I thank Goodwill.” Susan has obtained a part-time job and now works with the computer like a pro.
Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois, Inc.
2319 East War Memorial Drive • Peoria, Illinois 61614-8014 • (309) 682-1113
URL: http://www.goodwillpeo.org/article_78.shtml
