Armen
Armen came to the United States with her parents and brother Dan as refugees looking "to find a better life". They escaped a life in Namibia with limited access to clean water, no access to medical treatment or basic necessities and no way to support themselves.
Her journey led her to Goodwill of Western New York where she enrolled in Goodwill's manufacturing training program alongside her brother. Upon completion of the program, she was immediately hired by a local manufacturing company.
Armen continued her education while working and earned her degree in accounting. She is now employed full-time as a staff accountant at Kirisits & Associates CPAs, PLLC with a 401K retirement plan thanks to the donation of a pair of 501 Jeans.
Kenneth
Kenneth is a proud combat veteran that came to Goodwill seeking direction in his life following his service and to overcome a number of personal obstacles that prevented him from moving forward in pursuing his dreams.
His journey led him to Goodwill of Western New York's Goodskills Career Builder. Kenneth gained a solid foundation of workforce readiness skills, job training, work experience, and interviewing skills.
Today, Kenneth works full time as a Energy Support Specialist at Tesla, the dream job he had set his mind to. His transformation was made possible through the donation of a 1980's toy.
Tina
Tina was hurt on the job and had been out of the workforce for more than ten years. She struggled to find employment in an environment that had changed dramatically since the last time she held a job. Tina spent her days choosing to pay bills or put food on the table.
Tina's journey led her to Goodwill of Western New York's Goodskills Career Builder. Tina knew from the moment she walked in that it was the place for her to gain back confidence and get the new skills she needed to be successful.
Today, Tina works fulltime at PCB Piezotronics. Her job at this cutting edge technology manufacturing company was made possible through the donation of a 15 year old gaming system.
Roberta
Roberta is a single mom who lives to provide the best life she can for her daughter. She struggled with childcare and transportation issues and lacked a support system to build a life beyond public assistance.
Roberta came to Goodwill through a county supported program. Her positive attitude made her an ideal candidate for Goodskills Career Builder. Roberta dedicated herself to learning a new set of skills to get a career she could retire from. The resume she created was made possible through the donation of a piece of art.
Today, Roberta works full-time as a Manufacturing Technician at Eastman Machine Company. She has joined the union and now also has full health benefits for herself and her daughter.
