Meet Girlie Castro

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

Girlie was constantly on the move. From uncertain hotel stays to sleeping on other peoples’ couches, she and her two children were virtually homeless. From the age of 16 when she’d dropped out of school, she’d hopped from one low-paying job to another with little or no hope of doing any better.

One day while Girlie was on Facebook, she spotted a post for The Goodwill Excel Center. She clicked on the post, applied, and was accepted. Her journey to a high school diploma, financial independence, and a real home for herself and her family had begun.

Life had always been a transient experience for Girlie, and she wanted something better for her family. “I missed walking the stage the first time,” says Girlie. “I was going to make it this time.” It wasn’t easy, but Girlie says the support of her Life Coach and the teachers and staff made all the difference. “Excel is like family to me. Everyone there encourages everyone else. We kept each other going forward.”

Girlie also attended The Goodwill Career and Technical Academy for their Apartment Leasing program. “I had a double graduation,” smiles Girlie. “I love my job, and it’s opening up a future career for me in real estate.” Girlie knows that this new career path will allow her to spend much more time with her husband and children. “It’s really important to me to be there for them, to teach them responsibility, to strive for better things, to get a good education, and to never settle for less,” says Girlie.

Girlie and her husband are saving for their own home. “Goodwill taught me that if you really want something, set a goal and go for it,” says Girlie. “Now I am, and the sky’s the limit.