Meet Clovia! She came to Goodwill in 2021 to earn her High School Secondary Diploma. Right away, our instructors knew that Clovia would have no trouble earning her HSE! She participated in every class and led class discussions. Soon Clovia began taking her exams, then tragedy struck. Clovia and her family lost their home and their belongings in an apartment fire. Despite this unfortunate circumstance, Clovia forged on. While searching for a new place to live, she remained dedicated to her education and continued to attend class. 

Clovia has advice for anyone interested in High School Equivalency: “It’s never too late to try. Age is just a number. Don’t ever give up on your goals. Perseverance is key. If anybody had a reason to postpone or pause, it was me. There was the fire, my husband, but I knew what I wanted and I stayed true to that. Thanks to Goodwill for this opportunity of a lifetime and for helping us achieve even when we want to give up. I didn’t know this was possible.”

Clovia is currently working for UMPC. She is pursuing Medical Assistant training now that she has her HSE diploma. Goodwill is proud of Clovia for her perseverance and recognizing her own POTENTIAL to succeed! 

Learn more about Goodwill’s education programs at https://www.goodwillncwv.org/education

Meet Skyler! Skyler first came to Goodwill through the YouthWorks Retail Traning Program, which helps prepare and train individuals for a job in retail. Goodwill worked with Skyler to help him become more comfortable working in a store, and he successfully completed the program three months ago!

After completing the Retail Training Program, Skyler was hired as a retail associate at the Lawrenceville Goodwill store! He says he looks forward to earning his own income and hopes to move into his own place someday.

Skyler’s favorite Goodwill Core Value is COMMUNITY because it makes work more enjoyable and manageable. When he isn’t at work, Skylar enjoys studying, reading, and contemplating life. Goodwill helped Skyler recognize his POTENTIAL and gave him the training needed to succeed!

Learn more about Goodwill’s YouthWorks Retail Training Program at https://www.goodwillncwv.org/impact-retail

Meet Marla, a donations processor at the West Mifflin Goodwill store! Last month, Marla participated in the 2023 Special Olympics Pennsylvania Winter Games at Seven Springs. In total, she ended up winning two gold medals, both in skiing!

Marla started as a program participant at Goodwill and then was hired as a part-time team member over 15 years ago. Goodwill is proud of Marla’s accomplishments and her ability to reach her full POTENTIAL!