Success Stories
Shareika Payne
Taking her sister's advice, Shareika Payne came to Goodwill through the Youth Services WIA program funded by WorkSource in January 2005. She was seeking assistance with child care, obtaining and retaining employment and preparing for the GED program.
At the time Shareika came to Goodwill, she was caring for three young children with another one on the way. She was behind in her reading skills and was having a difficult time retaining employment.
Sandra McDowell of Goodwill Youth Services worked with Shareika to help her battle through the obstacles to which Shareika felt she was facing. “I love Sandra so much,” Shareika said. “When I wasn't coming to school, she encouraged me, always supportive. I can't even say in words how much she helped me.”
Goodwill supported Shareika through obtaining her GED, assistance with finding a job and retaining it, providing case management and assistance with other support services including child care assistance, financial management for car repairs and clothes for her new work environment.
Shareika was eager and with the support of Goodwill, she showed tremendous determination to succeed. Her effort to become self-sufficient and to do better for herself and her family was evident. Shareika attained her GED in August 2006 and while attending her classes, she also gained employment. And through all of this she continued caring for her family as a single parent.
Shareika has been working temporary jobs and recently interviewed with Dell for a position. She has plans to attend ACC possibly study in the medical field. One day, however, her dream is to be an entrepreneur and own a retail store.