Finding Solutions: Goodwill graduates enter the workforce prepared
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - We’ve told you that when you choose to donate or shop at Goodwill, you’re helping their mission!
More than 86 cents of every dollar spent at Goodwill s education opportunities and job training programs.
On Wednesday, more than 70 students graduated from Goodwill career programs and told us they’re ready for the next big thing.
“It’s a really good feeling knowing that I have another career under my belt and that anything is possible as long as you’re willing to achieve it,” said Sharron Thomas, a medical istrative assistant.
Thomas is expanding his knowledge in the medical field and is now a certified medical istrative assistant.
Finding Solutions: Local group looks to help men and women get back on their feet
Blount Beginnings is a non-profit created to provide resources to those experiencing homelessness or transitioning from incarceration.
“I started out being a CNA, and then I became a medication aide, and I just wanted to explore more in the medical field,” said Thomas.
Every donation that comes into a Goodwill store that is then sold helps Goodwill career education programs, which are offered at no cost to students.
“I just want to thank everyone who s Goodwill to allow us to be able to take this course,” said Acquanda Nunn and Latraille Dixon, medical istrative assistants. “It was a good feeling to know that we have these opportunities in the community.”
“I’m appreciative of the opportunity and would do it again, and I would advise anybody if you need to enhance your skills, this is a great program to do so,” said Nunn.
Other grads included future phlebotomy techs, forklift operators and business professionals.
“I feel extremely proud, I mean they have done a lot of work, they have put in a lot of effort, a lot of these programs are anywhere from 40 to 130 hours of their time they’ve invested,” said Leah Pontani, senior vice president of career development for Goodwill.
Finding Solutions: Local mom advocates for R after son’s ing
One local mom has been an advocate for cardiac arrest awareness after her 13-year-old son, Monty, went into cardiac arrest during a basketball game and died at the hospital a month later.
The ceremony also recognized students who completed Goodwill’s language learning programs.
Mariela Griffith says she’s ready to take another course so she can be a medical assistant.
“Thank you to everybody, the director, teachers, president and vice president, because you guys gave us the opportunity to learn more and grow,” said Griffith, who completed the language learning program.
She encourages anyone to take a look at the programs Goodwill has to offer.
“Go ahead and go knock on the door, and you can have this,” said Griffith.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
