We want to introduce you to Cynthia, who graduated from Goodwill’s Second Chance Program. One simple promise that she kept changed her life.
Here is Cynthia’s success story, in her own words:
 |
| Cynthia, a Goodwill Success Story |
“I had a good childhood; some may even say I was spoiled.
As a teenager I started to rebel against my parents and would sneak out to experiment with alcohol. I started to spin downward and at age 15 I was expelled from school due to a chain of events from fighting to skipping school. After having 2 babies very young and years being in an abusive relationship, I found myself addicted to prescription drugs. It got to the point that I didn’t know who I was anymore. I hit rock bottom and was eventually arrested.
I had nowhere to go and had burnt all of my bridges with my family and friends.
On July 7, 2015, I made the first promise that I would keep in years. I told my mother I would get help. I went to a halfway house and was referred to Goodwill. When I started, I didn’t like myself and had no self-respect. I stayed at Goodwill until I had to face my past and was sentenced to prison.
While there, I entered a program called GRIP (Guiding Rage Into Power) and I did everything I could to work on myself with counselors. I was tired of running; and we dealt with issues from my past.
When I was released, I came to Goodwill to start fresh and begin a new journey.
Goodwill gave me opportunities and helped me make the right decisions. Through the Second Chance Program, I learned how to make sure I got to work on time and to manage my personal life so that it didn’t interfere with my job. They also taught me how to budget my money. I came to Goodwill to start fresh and begin a new journey. I was tired of running and needed to deal with the issues of my past.
Today I can stand before everyone and say that I love myself.”
Cynthia, we are so proud of you and admire your hard work!