Success

On June 9, a world of opportunities opened up for 23 Arizonans as they celebrated a tremendous accomplishment - they earned their GED.

Goodwill of Central Arizona's GED program helps disadvantaged youth and adults attain their academic goals which ultimately set the pace for their independence and personal success.

• View Photos of the Graduation Ceremony!

Mark Twain once said, "Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter."

Clearly, the members of the Senior Community Service Employment Program's (SCSEP) most recent graduating class are not letting their age become an issue when it comes to confidently going back into the work force.

The Senior Community Service Employment Program serves people 55 years of age and over with skills development and paid training so they can re-enter the workforce with viable skills. Priority is given for veterans and individuals over age 60. Participants are paid minimum wage for training and community service assignment hours. Participants can participate in training for 20 hours per week.

After participating in the 2010 Summer Youth Work Experience Program, Francisco Mungia believes he has the tools to succeed for the rest of his life.

The Summer Youth Work Experience Program is operated by Goodwill of Central Arizona in partnership with the Maricopa County Workforce Connection (MWC) and Phoenix Workforce Connection (PWC). The program is designed to increase work readiness skills and employability of youth in the community. Participants are required to live in the Phoenix area, and be 14 to 18 years of age.

Roxanne Saldana is confident that great things are in store for her and her family thanks in part to the assistance she received from Goodwill of Central Arizona’s Career Centers.

Saldana said when she initially visited the Peoria Career Center in early 2009, she was at one of the lowest points of her young life.

Jason Kerns, 25, is confident that his experiences with Goodwill during the past seven months have set him on a path of success for life.

Kerns, who has lived in Arizona for two years, was having a difficult time finding work before he visited the Goodyear Career Center in June 2009.

"I spent a lot of time looking for work on my own before I came to the Goodwill Career Center," said Kerns.

Lynn Eide, a 61-year-old mother and Phoenix resident, believes that it is never too late for anyone to learn skills that will make them more valuable in the workplace.

Eide, who is a recent graduate of Goodwill's Computer and Customer Service Training (CCST) program, said she was determined to upgrade her knowledge of computers after her job of eight years as an Account Manager at an insurance agency in Mesa was eliminated.

Sally Ockenfels is an excellent example of how Goodwill transforms individuals with barriers into shining stars.

In September 2007, Ockenfels, who is developmentally disabled, enrolled in Goodwill of Central Arizona's Computer and Customer Service Training (CCST) class to advance her skills and improve her chances of finding meaningful employment.

If you sit down and have a conversation with Jabbar Muhammad, you’ll have a hard time believing that he has a shy bone in his body.

Muhammad was 20 years old when he was first referred to Goodwill of Central Arizona by the state’s Department of Developmental Disabilities. He was described as shy and quiet, unsure of himself, yet very polite. However, Muhammad had the desire to learn work skills so he could one day help provide for his family.

Teri Shamblin is proof that it is never too late to learn something new. Moreover, the 56-year-old grandmother from Phoenix is proof that if you’re willing to learn new skills at any age, your life can change for the better.

In 2005, Shamblin was at a self-described low point in her life. She was unemployed, recently divorced and was living at a local domestic violence shelter. Shamblin said staff members at the shelter encouraged her to visit a Goodwill Career Center in order to boost her chances at finding work.

Before Carlos Osuna Garay found Goodwill, he had a number of barriers that were standing in his way for success.

But since he became employed in Goodwill's Retail department, Osuna Garay is overcoming all obstacles and has a bright outlook on the future.

Osuna Garay, who is now a Customer Service Manager at the Alma School store #135, always set high goals for himself but before he joined Goodwill in March 2006, he had not yet obtained a high school diploma.