Love is about growing together, supporting each other and building a future side by side. This Valentine’s Day, we’re highlighting Olena and Bogdan Nikolenko, a couple whose journey through Goodwill’s tuition-free training programs is helping to shape the future of their family and paving the way for their continued success. Their story is a testament to how Goodwill’s programs help people in our community advance their careers, strengthen their families and thrive. Keep reading to learn how Olena and Bogdan are turning their shared ambition into success!
What inspired you to take a tuition-free training program at Goodwill, and which program(s) did you take?
- We arrived in the United States two and a half years ago from Ukraine as green card holders. The first year was not easy, because starting life from scratch is very difficult – a new country, finding a new job, another language, new rules of life – everything is different. We constantly solved new situations that we had not faced before, which was a challenge. In addition, our daughter was only three years old and there was no way to leave her with someone to study in the evenings after work. But we constantly thought about the need to find education in order to get better opportunities for development. A year and a half ago, we brought Olena’s mother from Ukraine because of a very terrible war, and we got the opportunity to study. We paid attention to the construction sphere because Bogdan was working as a frame installer here and Olena got a master’s degree in the construction industry from Ukraine. We started looking for courses in this field and were very surprised to find out that Goodwill, in addition to stores, has such a strong base for training personnel. We both took Construction Basics in Summer 2024. After that, Bogdan took the Electrical training program, and Olena is currently enrolled in the Blueprint Reading & Estimating program.
How has completing your programs impacted your lives and careers, and how has this experience shaped your future as a family?
- Bogdan is currently looking for opportunities in the electrical industry. We really believe that he will be able to find a job as an electrician. Thanks to Goodwill, Olena received excellent opportunities for development, and believed in herself. Olena left her previous job and followed her dream. A month ago, she got a job as a CAD designer at a large international company, and we are extremely happy. This gives our family great opportunities for development and a belief that anything is possible.
What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in each other since finishing your training?
- We became more confident in our abilities and gained new knowledge that changed our lives for the better.
How did it feel to be able to take these courses at no cost?
- Goodwill helps people get free training, which seems almost impossible nowadays. Anyone who has the desire to develop and learn can gain new skills and start a new life. It’s incredible.
What are your career goals now, and how do you support each other in achieving them?
- We really believe that we can achieve the best results in the construction and manufacturing industry. We will always support and believe in each other, give help with advice and dream about the future. In the next 3-5 years, Olena hopes to become a manager. Bogdan would like to work in industrial electricity and possibly get higher education to become an electrical engineer.
If you could say one thing to the people who donate and shop at Goodwill, what would it be?
- Keep going and never stop. Your contributions change lives.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Happy Valentine’s Day, Olena and Bogdan! We can’t wait to see what all you accomplish.
