I was living in DeKalb County in Atlanta, GA, and working low-paying jobs, side jobs and jobs with no insurance. Knowing all of the responsibilities I had, I was feeling depressed, confused and unaccomplished.

I remember the time my daughter had called me and asked me to purchase her a dress and to get her hair done for picture day. The pain that I experienced when I told her I could not afford it was something I will never forget.

I was at the library doing a job search, and found a flier stating that if residents in DeKalb County wanted training in green construction, the Goodwill Industries® of North Georgia Career Center in Decatur was enrolling for classes to start school soon.

I left the library at that time and came to Goodwill® to inquire for more information. I met Reuben Lawrence, who is my case manager. Upon listening to my challenges and barriers to employment, he directed me to the Georgia Trade-Up program – a collaborative partner of Goodwill, which helped me to reinstate my license and get qualified for the program.

In the process of getting into the program, I had to attend evaluation week. In that evaluation training, I learned soft skills, which highlighted who I am as an employee and pointed out several skills I already possessed.

My training at Goodwill gave me the confidence that I needed to become a leader in class, and the motivation to want and seek more information about the field of construction. Personally, it gave me the opportunity to provide for my children.

My outlook on my job and career is exciting and still growing. While in my six-week pre-apprentice training, I got a job as a sales manager. Goodwill has given me the opportunity for a career, a job that I like and can grow with, and the joy of taking care of my children, as well as my responsibilities as a citizen.