Meet Laurie Parish
Kennesaw resident Laurie Parish spent the last 10 years living with her daughter and two grandchildren. During that decade, the childcare assistance she provided was an invaluable support to her family. As Laurie’s grandchildren grew up, the need for her help decreased, so she moved out of her daughter’s house and began searching for employment.
Meet Bradley Walker
Pennsylvania native Bradley Walker made his way to Stone Mountain in 1997 in search of better job opportunities and quality of life. Shortly after relocating, he met his wife, L’Cretia, and the couple decided to move to her home state of Tennessee.
Meet David Weekley
David Weekley’s experience with Goodwill of North Georgia dates back to his teenage years, when the agency was located on Glenwood Avenue in Atlanta. While in high school, he participated in the Ready2Work program and then returned to Goodwill in February 2009 after being referred by the Georgia Department of Labor.
Meet Elida Cortes
In June 2021, Elida Cortes was referred to Goodwill’s Decatur Career Center by her Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) counselor. At 32-years-old, Elida had never worked before and was eager to find a job.
Meet Tityanna Hayward
At 21-years-old, Tityanna Hayward was looking for her first job so that she could earn money for college. In December 2021, she was referred to Goodwill’s Decatur Career Center by her Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) counselor for work evaluation.
Meet Joshua Ellis
Joshua, a high-school junior, initially visited Goodwill due to his interest in the Welding Program. While excited for the welding program, Joshua’s mother and Goodwill Training Manager thought that participating in the This Way ONward Program (TWO), an 8-week paid internship program that focuses on targeting youth and young adults might be a be a wonderful way for Joshua to gain first job experience until he was able to participate in the welding program.
Meet Radhika Tripurani
Radhika spent many years working in the marketing department of a small, local travel firm. During the pandemic, travel traffic demand drastically declined. Like many others, this resulted in Radhika being laid off. Determined to never be in a position where she could be laid off again, Radhika decided to pivot into a new career in technology.
Meet Maxon Smith
In April 2021, Maxson Smith’s Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) counselor referred him to Goodwill’s Woodstock Career Center. At 22 years old, he wanted to overcome his challenges and join the workforce.
Meet Julia Ramirez
In March 2021, Julia Ramirez came into the Cornelia Career Center seeking help with her job search. Since Julia does not speak English, Lead Career Coach Sandy DeAza, who is bilingual, stepped in to assist. Sandy educated Julia about the many resources available at Goodwill and the two discussed Julia’s personal and professional goals.
Meet Saryah Beard
DeKalb County resident Saryah Beard came to Goodwill in 2017, seeking an opportunity to participate in the summer internship with Old Navy, which is now known as This Way ONward. As an honor student preparing to graduate from Clarkston High School in May 2018, Saryah was seeking opportunities to earn money for college.
Meet Corey Osley
Union City resident Corey Osley had years of experience in warehouse work, spending a lot of time on a forklift, but always dreaming of bigger machines. In July 2021, he decided it was time to pursue a new career path and came to Goodwill’s Decatur Career Center to learn more about the Supply Chain Management program and its transportation track, which would allow him to earn his CDL. Corey was grateful to be able to enroll in the program at no cost, thanks to the support provided by SNAP Works.