Tanesha Green moved to Charlotte from Arkansas in search of better opportunities. She knew Charlotte was booming with construction projects, so she jumped at the opportunity to learn the trades.
“I searched free construction classes, and I came across Goodwill,” she explained. “I was a helper with my stepdad’s business since I was 12, remodeling houses, and I helped build different buses like a podcast and a party bus.”
After finding out about Goodwill’s tuition-free training courses in Construction Basics and Electrical, Tanesha signed up.
While taking the classes, Tanesha was also facing a personal battle: she was homeless. When taking tuition-free training courses from Goodwill, all participants get access to wraparound services, like one-on-one career coaching. Verona Hendrix, a Career Navigator at Goodwill, worked with Tanesha not only to find her a good job, but also to find available resources.
“Verona was helpful throughout my entire process,” she emphasized. “She helped me with my resume and sent me numerous jobs. She sent me vouchers to make sure I had clothing for job interviews, and helped me get into the entryway program, which provided resources for when I was homeless. I also want to thank Chris Sullivan, who helped me with tools and more.”
“We practiced our interviews, our pitches and our essential skills. Those lessons that were provided by Goodwill really pushed us and helped us to prepare for interviews and jobs fairs,” she explained.
Tanesha was able to secure a job working as a Service Technician at a local apartment company, where she now lives. She was also able to get an apartment there with a 40% discount on rent.
“The inspiration is bigger,” Tanesha said, when asked about how her life has changed since taking classes with Goodwill. “[I have] the confidence to go into different rooms and to know that I know the information. There’s still a lot to learn, but there’s a lot that Goodwill prepared us for.”
“Never give up. If you ever need help, search within yourself. Remember that failure only happens when you stop trying.”
If you would like to help fund tuition-free courses that help people like Tanesha on their pathway to prosperity, drop off your gently used donations at one of our 36 retail stores or donation locations, or make a financial donation.
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