Aliyah’s Journey to Stability and Self-Sufficiency
The Ohio Department of Health awarded Goodwill with a grant to support homeless youth and homeless pregnant youth aged 14-24 in Marion & Morrow counties. The program’s goal is to help individuals without a support system achieve self-sustainability and build a sense of community. This is done through personalized case management, which creates tailored plans to assist youth in overcoming obstacles and reaching their personal goals.
Aliyah’s journey to stability was not an easy one. Before coming to Goodwill, Aliyah struggled with unstable housing and financial difficulties. Due to personal reasons, she had to take a year off from work, which only compounded her financial challenges. However, in 2022, Aliyah learned about Goodwill through word of mouth and decided to seek help.
From the moment Aliyah connected with Goodwill, she was met with warmth and support. She shared that her experience with the staff has been nothing short of fantastic, emphasizing how genuine, helpful, and caring the team has been throughout her journey. With their assistance, Aliyah’s life has taken a remarkable turn.
Today, Aliyah has her own home and a fulfilling job as a medical assistant at a doctor’s office. In addition to her professional success, Aliyah’s heart is even fuller as she now has full custody of a 5-month-old girl named Zamaria.
Looking ahead, Aliyah has big plans for the future. In the next five years, she hopes to move out of Ohio and purchase a house wherever life leads her. One of her key goals is to save up for a brand-new Chevrolet Equinox.
As Aliyah puts it, “IT’S OKAY TO NEED HELP SOMETIMES!!! Goodwill staff will do whatever they can to help you.”
Reflecting on her transformation, Aliyah says, “Goodwill made it easier to breathe! I am extremely thankful for Goodwill and all they have done for me!” Aliyah’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right support, anyone can overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.