Success

Goodwill of Central Arizona understands that a strong educational foundation is essential to a lifetime of self-sufficiency and employment success. For Michael Attson, a recent program participant who used Goodwill’s services to obtain his GED, that foundation has brought the self-confidence and motivation to excel further on his path to economic independence.

Michael was 17 years old when he dropped out of high school due to constant disciplinary issues. After dropping out, Michael found a job in the construction industry, helping lay asphalt for new roads. Inspired by the drafting, design and engineering work that went into building those roads, Michael developed a dream of going to college to focus on a career in drafting and engineering.

Everyday that we come to work we help individuals get on track toward self-sufficiency. We do this in many ways including Goodwill’s Ruth & Hartley Barker Post-Secondary Scholarship which supports educational dreams for Goodwill program participants and ecademie students.

One of our current scholarship recipients, Mary Mulryan, is aspiring to help others through her education.

“My goal is to be able to buy and/or build housing developments for single parents, females and minorities who are interested in completing a four-year degree. This scholarship will help me to pursue my vision as well as my education,” said Mulryan.

For individuals seeking self-sufficiency through the power of work, Goodwill has long been an organization to provide resources and hope. Inspiration for those seeking improvement in their life comes from a variety of sources. For one Valley mother, that inspiration has come from her daughter.

Estrella Lopez was first referred to Goodwill of Central Arizona in 2001 by Home Base Youth Services. After working with a counselor in Goodwill’s Youth Program, Lopez eventually lost touch with Goodwill. During that time, the 18 year old Phoenix resident was lost personally and professionally and couldn’t hold a steady job.

Several years passed and Lopez became very depressed that she was unable to provide for herself with a good job. It wasn’t until 2003 with the birth of her daughter that Lopez made the final decision to commit to a path of self-sufficiency.