Category: Success Stories

Joe was a professional chef working at Wright State Nutter Center. He was working all kinds of events like concerts, and fundraisers, but the job was taxing. “I would work 14 hours a day depending on how big the event.  I was responsible for cooking and cleaning.  My shift would begin at 8 a.m. and... Read more »

Ellen’s life was on the upswing. She had recently been offered employment through Manpower, but then her incarceration at the Allen County Jail put an end to her plans. While she was still in pre-release status, Ellen met Staci Miles, an employment specialist with Goodwill Easterseals’ Community Outreach Program in Lima. Staci is part of... Read more »

Mikahla is originally from Urbana but moved to Van Wert with her dad shortly after her mom passed away from cancer.  Mikahla’s dad is from Van Wert and wanted to be closer to family as he was also diagnosed with cancer.  Shortly after his diagnosis, he passed away, so Mikahla lived with her brother and... Read more »

Meet Stephanie and how the power of work has empowered her independence. “I just didn’t feel like I was contributing to life,” is how Stephanie used to describe her life. Stephanie struggled with anxiety and depression after the unexpected loss of her mother and she could easily become overwhelmed and withdraw from life. In need... Read more »

  When Dale was recently released from prison after serving 12 years, life was completely overwhelming. “I just got out of prison and was living in independent housing for ex-offenders. I had 90 days to get a job and had no access to information. I couldn’t even find a phone book. I wore blisters on... Read more »

David’s struggle with addiction led him down a path of destruction, illegal behavior and in 2005 it landed him a 12-year stint in prison.  During his incarceration, David held many roles, but his time serving as a Reentry Clerk Facilitator, development and facilitation of coursework focused on reentry and reducing recidivism, helped David to realize... 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 »

Angela Armstrong, 47 years of age and mother of four, struggled with addiction for close to 20 years. She lost her one and only daughter to an overdose. “One evening she went to a party and never came back.” Angela would use drugs just to numb the pain. “I would lay there after taking the... Read more »

Meet Britany Thomas   I was a single mom at the age of 20 with very little help, no money, no car, and no job. At the time, I was depressed and I had no idea how I would pay my bills or get to where I needed to go. After applying for cash assistance... Read more »

Randall is from Germantown, Ohio but moved to Florida to be with his parents. While in Florida, he worked at the Publix and would help his parents out until he became addicted to drugs.   Randall lost his job, became homeless and then ended up in Jail for 90 days. He asked the judge to please... Read more »