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Goodwill Mission Stories

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Tiffany

 

Tiffany's Story

For someone with a criminal background, finding a path to work can be difficult. Getting an employer to take a chance is often one of the biggest barriers. For Tiffany, work was the way to independence, but the path was not easy.

After living in an abusive home, Tiffany found herself homeless and relied on staying at various shelters in Milwaukee with her two young children. One afternoon, Tiffany was with a friend, got caught in the middle of a violent situation and ended up being a party to a crime. With an open case against her, Tiffany was asked to leave the shelter with her two young children. While living at a new shelter in Waukesha, Tiffany learned about Goodwill’s Workforce Connection Center and knew it was time for a change.

Goodwill's Workforce Connection Center and Sojourner Family Peace Center partner to assist survivors of domestic violence with finding a job. The Sojourner Family Peace Center provides education, advocacy and resources to keep families safe from domestic violence. Despite Tiffany’s eagerness to work and provide a better life for her family, she lacked the experience needed to gain meaningful employment. Tiffany was referred to Sojourner for services.

Tiffany's Story

After hearing about the options available, Tiffany applied for and participated in Goodwill’s Culinary Training Program at Goodwill’s Café 1919. The Culinary Institute is a comprehensive, hands-on program providing individuals with practical real-world training in the foodservice industry. While in training, Tiffany gained valuable work experience, as well as her ServSafe Certification. Soon after, Tiffany was hired in the kitchen at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, one of the largest entertainment destinations in the Midwest.

Being employed has given Tiffany confidence and independence in a way she has never had before in her life. Having a job is not just about the paycheck for Tiffany, it has changed the path for her and her family. As Tiffany says, "if I didn’t have Goodwill, I would have been lost.”

Tiffany is living in her own apartment with her two children and hopes to attend college for social work, so she can encourage others to overcome obstacles and make a difference in the world.

WISCONSIN
Mission Support Center
Tel: (414) 847-4200

James O. Wright Center forWork & Training
Tel: (414) 353-6400

ILLINOIS
Metropolitan Chicago -
Administration
Tel: (312) 994-1440