It\u2019s\u00a0that time of year when we start thinking about the future: what we want to\u00a0accomplish, who we want to be and where we want to go. For\u00a0Annalessya, that future is now full of\u00a0new\u00a0possibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Annalessya\u00a0is a young mother to two children, one of whom has\u00a0a disability\u00a0and health issues. That made it difficult for\u00a0Annalessya\u00a0to advance her career and improve her financial outlook. She tried two times to enroll in the automotive career and technical education program offered by\u00a0Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc. (South Bend, IN), but she had to withdraw due to her\u00a0youngest\u2019s\u00a0health issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u00a0didn\u2019t\u00a0stop\u00a0Annalessya\u00a0from trying again. She enrolled for a third time and things started to align. She excelled in her\u00a0classes. Two weeks before graduation, she even had a blowout on the highway that she was able to change herself thanks to her training.\u00a0This time around,\u00a0Annalessya\u00a0was finally able to complete the training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After graduation, she found a job at a local Jiffy Lube as a technician. More importantly, this new knowledge and career path gave\u00a0Annalessya\u00a0a sense of purpose and wisdom that she can pass along to others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thrifting for Good<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Annalessya\u2019s\u00a0hard work and tenacity made all the difference on her journey to a better life for her family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She shared\u00a0how\u00a0the generosity of\u00a0thrifters\u00a0and goods donors\u00a0also\u00a0impacted\u00a0her,\u00a0saying,\u00a0\u201cGoodwill\u00a0is more than just secondhand clothing and household items. Goodwill is a support system for those who do not have their own;\u00a0Goodwill is about the families and communities in our area.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For those looking to\u00a0accomplish\u00a0big dreams\u00a0next year,\u00a0like\u00a0Annalessya\u00a0did,\u00a0remember that\u00a0Goodwill\u00a0is there\u00a0to support. As\u00a0she says, \u201cGoodwill is always going to be there for us because we need it and not because of what we can give back. Anyone looking for help or a fresh start to a better future,\u00a0I would recommend contacting\u00a0Goodwill just to see what may be out there for you. You never know, you might find your true calling all at\u00a0Goodwill just like I did.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n