Pathway to Success

Balancing the normal pressures of high school with the responsibility of being a teen mom turned out to be overwhelming for Monica B., so she left traditional high school. She always had the drive to succeed, but motherhood was more important than finishing school at that point in her life.

The year was 2000. Monica was now 18 without a high school diploma, and her prospects for employment to provide for herself and her young daughter were limited.

She was referred to Goodwill through SRS (Department of Social & Rehabilitation Services, now known as DCF Department of Children & Families) and enrolled in our adult education program (now known as NexStep Alliance) to earn her GED. NexStep Alliance now routinely enrolls over 700 adult learners every year, but at that time, there were only 10 students and two teachers!

“At the time, I only knew Goodwill as a thrift store, but they are so much more than donated clothing and bargain shopping; they truly help people within the community, and I’m living proof,” Monica said.

After earning her GED in 2000, Monica discovered a passion for marketing while working at a local newspaper selling advertising. Since 2004, she has been in the marketing field and has served as the Marketing and Community Relations lead for MJB Heating and Cooling since 2017.

“Obtaining my GED opened so many avenues to not just getting a job but finding a career. I do know that if the cost to take the tests was not covered by the program, I never could have afforded $125.00 in 2000. Goodwill’s investment in me changed the course of my life and who I was going to become,” Monica explained.

Many individuals make choices that impact the course of their lives, but it’s never too late to change yours. Goodwill offers adult education instruction, ESL, and digital skills training in addition to career assistance. Learn more about NexStep Alliance.