Guided by Hope: Derrian’s Journey to a Brighter Future
Derrian’s journey to a brighter future started like many others, feeling stuck and uncertain. As a single mom, she was working dead-end jobs, unsure of her future or where to start. “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do long term or career-wise,” she recalls, looking back at the days before things changed.
Marion County Job & Family Services, through OhioMeansJobs, offers WIOA programs to help job seekers find work, training, and support, while also helping employers with workforce needs. Funded by JFS and managed by Goodwill, this program opened doors for Derrian.
She first heard about the program when a friend joined, and it seemed like the perfect opportunity. But it wasn’t until Derrian took the leap herself that the real change began. With WIOA’s support, she got access to resources and guidance that helped her make a career change and improve her life.
Her experience with Goodwill was life-changing. “My employment specialist & mentor have been amazing every step of the way,” Derrian says. “Having someone believe in you and cheer you on really boosts your confidence.” That support helped Derrian push through self-doubt and start building a future she once thought was impossible.
Since joining the program, her life has completely turned around. “I found the program that was right for me,” she says with a smile. “It gave me the chance to get back on my feet and start working toward the future I’ve always wanted.”
Now, with a clearer vision, Derrian is focused on becoming a NICU nurse. “Eventually, I want to get my BSN and become a NICU nurse,” she says. For someone who once had no idea what her future held, this goal is a beacon of hope.
She encourages other single moms to check out Goodwill’s programs. “It’s perfect for single moms who wonder how they’re going to go back to school with a baby or toddler,” Derrian says. “They have so many resources for different situations.”
Reflecting on her experience, Derrian shares this piece of wisdom: “Like a guiding star in a storm, a good program can light the way through tough times, offering support and solutions when things feel chaotic.”
For Derrian, Goodwill wasn’t just a program—it was the guiding star she needed to get to the future she’s worked hard to create.