Success Stories

“For anyone wanting to finish their high school education, the Excel Center is an excellent choice. You have to take that first step.”

“Goodwill helped me stay on course to achieving my goals, and showed me that I can still accomplish more.”

“I knew that this was the first step to achieving my dream career.”

“Today when I come home from work, I have a lot of things to be thankful for.”

It’s a joy to work with people,” he said. “And I didn’t know that. I enjoy helping people. And every day it’s very rewarding.

“I will not let my disability stop me. Goodwill doesn’t look at our disability. Goodwill looks at us.”

“My new job is wonderful. It’s been challenging, but in a good way. Goodwill has definitely helped me achieve my goals.”

“Goodwill helps by giving people second chances, including myself.”

“The Goodwill Excel Center helps everybody excel by making sure they have the resources they need to stay in school.”

“I would definitely recommend Goodwill to anyone.”

“Goodwill is very accommodating and accepting of everyone — they really helped me.”

At this point, I’m so close to graduating. Goodwill has changed my life.

“Goodwill has a lot of opportunities for people if you put your mind to it.”

“Goodwill gave me a really nice hand-up and helped me start again.”

“The digital literacy was so important because there is so much new technology.”

“Getting a second chance,getting my diploma…meant everything.”

“They provided a lot of support and had no judgment. They took the time to talk to you and listen. I appreciated them to the fullest.”

“The faculty and staff were amazing at…Excel. They always gave me confidence and always believed in me.”

“Now I know how life-changing Goodwill is.”

“I always want to do better the next week, so more people are helped.”

“It was always my dream to go back to school. I never thought I was going to accomplish everything that I have accomplished.”

“ …come check out the good work that’s done here. It’s a really good opportunity…to get your high school diploma and have a better future.”

“I was proud of myself that I came down here and I’ve been a winner ever since I’ve been down here. I’m making it, and I’m successful.”

“Prison saved my life. I finally decided that I was going to get out and try to do things differently.”

“Goodwill is helping me accomplish my goals in life. Your heart and determination are helping me get to where I am today.”

“I have a car now. I have a home. I have more money, and more time to spend with my kids.

“They helped me with everything. They stayed late to help me with catch up with schoolwork when I needed it.”

“They helped us out with the daycare, and that’s why we were able to go. That’s how we ended up going to school there.”

“I took advantage of every option there is. That’s how I’m able to stand here today. ”

“I don’t know where I would be without Goodwill.”

“The Goodwill Excel Center has given me another chance to succeed in life and do better for myself”

“I don’t have time for my old life, because that kind of life will never allow me to reach my goals.”

“Take pride in how far you have come. Have faith in how far you can go.”

“Goodwill…opens doors for you. I never realized what Goodwill could do for you!”

“At Goodwill, I felt like I was home as soon as I walked in.”

“I’m part of something much bigger…a real community doing good. All of us are part of keeping people alive and healthy.”

“I don’t know where I would be if it wasn’t for Goodwill.”

“Having the job here at Goodwill has changed my life. Goodwill has kept me grounded, showing me I have a future.”

“I love The Goodwill Excel Center! It has opened doors for me and really changed my life.”

“Goodwill has the potential to become your family.”

“Goodwill has been like a family. I now see the best in me, because Goodwill saw the best in me!”

“The programs that Goodwill offered have changed my life and given me a new career.”

“My life is amazing! My fiancé has been the best cheerleader. My kids – sons, daughter-in-laws – stuck by me through [it] all.”

“It’s like I always tell my daughters: I started at zero and I worked hard to make a change, now you are both starting at ten. Hard work pays off.”

“Don’t let anything or anyone stop you from becoming a better you. Goodwill will help you, as long as you are willing to do the work.”

“It’s up to me to put in the work. If you put in the work, you can accomplish anything. It’s a choice. And I choose to sing again.”

“Thanks to The Goodwill Excel Center, I can now excel in life for me, for my family, and for my future.”

“Goodwill has given me so many things, but most of all, my life.”

“Goodwill opened doors for me. They’ve given me a career, and now I know I can overcome any obstacle. I will achieve my goals.”

“Goodwill opens their arms and helps you…there are no closed doors, and they never let you fail.”

“I was at the lowest point in my life. Because of hard work and Goodwill’s help, I have a roof over my head.”

“It’s the most rewarding experience in my life to be able to help my students.”

“I want [my son] to see that education helps you succeed. It gives you more than a job. It gives you a future…”

“Goodwill has given me hope – now I see what I want to do, where I want to go. I can help my family.”

“I can raise my family well, and save for my retirement. Goodwill handed me my future.”

I went from being an unemployed vet to owning my own business with my own truck – life is sure good.”

“Goodwill helped me take control of my life and my future. It’s the best feeling in the world.”

“Before Goodwill, I didn’t see myself going anywhere in life. Now I’m achieving things, big things.”

Barely a year ago, we came here with nothing. Goodwill was there to help me succeed, no matter what…with no judgment.

As a member of the deaf community, Daniel faced a significant language barrier and struggled with navigating the job market…

“I stay motivated, because every day I come to school, I’m one day closer to reaching my goals.”

I accomplished everything I set my mind to.

When Ileini first came to Goodwill, she was 20 years old, living in a tent behind the Walmart. She knew she had to make a change.

In 1994, Patrick was sentenced to life in prison. After appealing his case and being released from incarceration…

“I really like working with children…they see the person first.”

Goodwill showed me that there is no limit to my potential.

After serving honorably in the United States Marine Corps, Edward struggled to find work after losing his job during a company downsize…

Billy struggled with a learning disability and many obstacles to work before coming to Goodwill…

With help from Goodwill, he created a successful path to renew his life. “We get out of life what we put into it, and I want to offer people hope.”