Category: Success Stories

Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley (GESMV) started working with Vivian and Talvi Hunter in February of 2018. Referred by Montgomery County Job and Family Services, the married couple participated in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).   Once their assignment was completed for the month of February, they still would visit GESMV because they understood how beneficial... Read more »

Jessica was born 4½ months prematurely — she’s lived with visual impairment all of her life. With a diagnosis of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Jessica came to Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley (GESMV) after high school graduation to prepare for her continued journey to attend Wright State University (WSU). “I began working with GESMV before... Read more »

Robert Bryant was homeless and afraid on the streets. In fact, Robert would trade his own shoes for someone’s street weapon so that they could not hurt him or anyone else. Robert was stuck in a continuous cycle of drug addiction and mental illness. One day, while Robert was at Eastway Behavioral Healthcare searching for... Read more »

Cherri attended Dayton Public Schools and was an average high school student. However, she was a self-described “unruly child” and was unable to graduate due to behavioral issues. Cherri attended an alternative school for a short time before officially dropping out.   Cherri attempted to receive her GED. She was studying for her first test... Read more »

Before coming to Ohio, Tashanna Monette was homeless for almost 8 years. She lived in several shelters all across the United States and had jobs but could never find a good place to live. Tashanna, a participant in the Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley Work Experience Program (WEP), came to Ohio in 2017 hoping to find... Read more »

Tiffany left Harrisburg, VA last year in search of a better life for her and her daughter. When she left Virginia, she was pregnant with her second child. She left her home and moved to Dayton, Ohio with her dad and brother. Once she arrived in Dayton, Ohio it was difficult for her to find... Read more »

When Noah Baker was young, his mother noticed that he was a little behind in his development of coordination. “I think I was in denial, said Karen. “I think my philosophy was if I ignore it maybe things would just balance out.” But it didn’t balance out and while in junior high school Baker was... Read more »

“Miami Valley Works has had an astounding impact on me and has catapulted me into a different frame of mind. The program turned me around, through mentorship, job search and job readiness training, and all the support services.” – Monica Smoot “My life had always been tumultuous, one crisis after another. But, the final straw... Read more »

“Vets & Employers Connection took me under their wing. They helped me get a job at Wright Patterson Air Force Base Commissary. The job provided me with the benefits I needed. I am truly grateful for everything they have done for me.” – Kristoffer Cook Kristoffer Cook knew he wanted to be a United States... Read more »

 “Goodwill gave me a purpose again. GESMV helped with my PTSD and depression. The people of Goodwill are always there for you; being able to talk to them really helped.” – Michael “Mac” McBride Michael “Mac” McBride has not had your typical life. Mac is a United States Air Force Veteran. He enlisted in the... Read more »