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Delaney

Delaney wasn’t always the strong, independent woman she is today. After graduating from high school in inner-city Chicago, she was eager to start her first year of college but quickly dropped out after substance abuse problems took control of her life.

With limited resources, Delaney made the decision to enroll herself in substance abuse recovery classes and began making progress, but struggled with depression after the passing of her son in a tragic car accident at the foot of the church steps. While still drug-free and attending recovery classes, she learned of food service career opportunities at Goodwill Great Lakes and began working as a Dishwasher through the AbilityOne Program, which offers one-on-one job instruction, as well as counseling, support and encouragement to individuals with significant disabilities.

Goodwill's AbilityOne Program offers one-on-one job instruction, as well as counseling, support and encouragement to individuals with significant disabilities.

It wasn’t long before Delaney’s strong work ethic and motivation to help others was noticed and awarded with a promotion to Food Service Worker. After successfully completing Leadership Training, Delaney seized the opportunity to train as a Cook, where she could work more independently but maintain her commitment to teamwork and serving Sailors and Recruits at the Navy’s only boot camp–Naval Station Great Lakes. Most recently, Delaney has been promoted to Food Service Supervisor and loves motivating and inspiring her coworkers.

Delaney now spends time as a mentee in the Donald Driver Mentoring Program, where she receives one-on-one mentoring support to help her achieve personal and professional goals.  She credits her mentor with helping her find confidence in her communication skills and coaching her on money-saving strategies for increased financial independence.

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