Goodwill Programs:  Career Development Services and Basic PC Skills Training

“I thank God for finding Goodwill and helping me begin my life again.”

As a single mother, Patricia was raising three daughters on her salary as a route driver for a vending machine company. Then, after nine years, she lost her job and could no longer afford to keep her house. “At 44 years old, I was once again living with my mother and having to start my life over,” Patricia recalled.

Patricia knew that she needed computer training to succeed in today’s job market and wanted a career change. However, a computer class at the community college was large, fast-paced and provided little one-on-one time with the instructor. Frustrated and feeling a sense of failure, she dropped out of the class, but did not give up on the idea of computer training.

A staff member at the Gaston County Employment Security Commission suggested she look into the Basic PC Skills Training offered at Goodwill’s Gaston County Job Connection. “As soon as I walked into the class the first day, I knew I was in the right place,” Patricia recalled. She was soon looking forward to, rather than dreading, coming to class each day.

Not only did Patricia learn Microsoft Word and Excel, she also learned how to use the internet in a job search and to develop a resume. Most importantly, she gained confidence.

A year later, Patricia loves her new career in office administration. Her recent success has inspired her youngest daughter to return to school and, after being displaced for many months, Patricia has returned to her former home, and no longer relies on her mother for support.

“I thank God for finding Goodwill and helping me begin my life again.”