After more than two decades of dedicated service, Maggie found herself at a crossroads.
For 23 years, Maggie worked at Whetstone Industries in Mt. Gilead, supporting individuals with special needs from early intervention through adulthood. The work was meaningful, but after the loss of a close family member and years of physical wear on her body, Maggie knew she needed a change. She stepped away from the workforce, living off her savings while taking time to heal and reflect.
As time passed, Maggie realized her savings would not last forever, and she missed the sense of purpose that work had given her. When a counselor at the Council on Aging mentioned the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), Maggie researched the program on her own. Reaching out felt intimidating, especially during a low and uncertain time in her life, but that call became a turning point.
Through Goodwill’s facilitation of SCSEP, Maggie enrolled in August 2024 and began training at the Goodwill store in Galion. What started as a step taken out of necessity quickly became something more. Through hands-on training and daily interaction with customers and coworkers, Maggie rebuilt her confidence and reconnected with people.
After nearly a year in the program, Maggie was offered a full- time position as a Sales Associate at the Galion Goodwill store. It marked a new chapter, one built on resilience, courage, and the belief that growth is possible at any stage of life.
Inspired by the lyrics “ You gotta get up and try, try, try,” Maggie’s story is a reminder that new chapters are always within reach.