Category: Success Stories

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 »

Pete grew up in Oakwood, Ohio and went to Oakwood High School. After High School, Pete’s parents wanted him to have a job that would include being around people, and help him to become more independent. Pete has Down Syndrome and his mom, Chris, mentioned that she didn’t’ think finding a job for him would... Read more »

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 »

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 »