Goodwill Program: Youth Job Connection

“Goodwill's program is more than helpful for the future.  Money management, interviewing skills and resume writing are skills that will be needed throughout a person's life.”

Daria was so fired up about getting a job with a local water park resort, the 18-year-old wasn’t going to let anything stand in her way.

The Harrisburg resident knew her interview skills needed some improvement if she was going to land a job.

She turned to Goodwill’s Youth Job Connection for help in the summer of 2009.

Daria didn’t mind the 45-minute drive from her home to Goodwill’s office in Charlotte. The Hickory Ridge High School graduate knew the effort would pay off – and it did.

She left Goodwill with “double the confidence” and found employment.

“I wasn’t a very good interviewee. I struggled in those areas. I am not afraid anymore,” says Daria, adding she also benefited from the personal finance course through the Youth Job Connection. “Goodwill also made the classes fun and enjoyable.”

There was one unexpected problem when it came time for the Great Wolf Lodge job fair. The only jobs left were lifeguard positions and Daria couldn’t swim.

Daria didn’t get discouraged. She learned how to swim – dedicating nearly two hours a day at a local YMCA – to pass the lifeguard test. She was then hired by Great Wolf.

Today, she loves coming to work and saving money for her freshman year at Spelman College.

 “Nobody is ever going to tell me I can’t do something,” Daria says. “I am really determined.”

She credits Youth Job Connection for standing by her and being that constant motivator.

“Goodwill’s program is more than helpful for the future. Money management, interviewing skills and resume writing are skills that will be needed through a person’s life,” Daria says.

“I knew I had a backup. Even if I didn’t pass the lifeguard test, I knew I could go back to Youth Job Connection and they could help me.”

Daria has since taken her younger brother to Youth Job Connection to help him gain the resources to find a job.

“Having a job is important to secure a stable financial future. A steady income helps to plan for that rainy day.”