When Hayleigh Brown joined the EDGE Program, she had a few important goals in mind: find a job, pay for driver’s education, and begin saving for college. Like many young people entering the workforce for the first time, however, she wasn’t sure where to start.
“I was looking for a job to help me get through driver’s ed and start saving up for college, and I didn’t know how to start the work process,” Hayleigh shared.
After one of her mother’s friends recommended Goodwill, Hayleigh and her mom decided to learn more. That introduction led her to EDGE, a youth program funded by OhioMeansJobs Morrow County and facilitated by Goodwill.
From there, Hayleigh began gaining the experience, resources, and encouragement she needed to move forward.
“My experience so far has been wonderful,” she said. “I have been able to have two jobs from this experience so far and have enjoyed both of them.”
Today, Hayleigh works at the OhioMeansJobs Morrow County office, creating a meaningful full-circle connection to the organization that helps make the EDGE Program possible. Through her employment experiences, she has been able to build professional skills, gain confidence in the workplace, and prepare for her future.
EDGE has also helped Hayleigh reach an important personal milestone. Through the program, she received assistance with the cost of driver’s education and was able to work toward getting her driver’s license.
But for Hayleigh, some of the most meaningful support has come from the people behind the program.
“Everyone that helps run the program is on top of everything if I ever need help, but they are also more than your ‘coaches,’” she said. “If you ever need to talk or need help with something, they’re there for you.”
Since becoming involved with EDGE, Hayleigh says life has gotten better. Being able to work has allowed her to gain valuable experience while becoming more independent and preparing for what comes next.
And Hayleigh already has a clear vision for her future.
She plans to attend Mount Vernon Nazarene University to study Social Work, with the goal of becoming a school guidance counselor. She wants to help students find the right career paths, schedule their classes, navigate difficult situations, and have someone they can turn to when they need support.
Her current work at OhioMeansJobs Morrow County gives her the opportunity to continue developing skills in an environment centered around connecting people with resources and opportunities—experience that aligns closely with her desire to help others in her future career.
Hayleigh also wants other young people and families to know just how much support can be available through Goodwill programs like EDGE. In addition to employment opportunities, participants may receive assistance with work-related clothing, driver’s education, and incentives tied to accomplishments such as good grades, strong attendance, and high school graduation.
For Hayleigh, those resources have helped turn uncertainty about entering the workforce into real-world experience, greater independence, and excitement about what lies ahead.
“I’ve had the best experience with them. I recommend it to all of my friends and always speak highly about the programs to others.”
Hayleigh’s journey is a powerful example of what can happen when young people are connected with the right opportunities and support. Through the partnership between OhioMeansJobs Morrow County and Goodwill, EDGE helped Hayleigh take her first steps into the workforce—and now she is building a future dedicated to helping others find their own path forward.