Funded by Crawford County Job & Family Services and facilitated by Goodwill Industries
When Amirah joined the Crawford County CCMEP program, she had just turned 14 years old and was eager for the opportunity to work. She learned about the program through her school in Bucyrus, and what began as a first step into the workforce quickly became a journey of growth, leadership, and achievement.
Amirah was one of the first youth participants Bryce worked with as a Goodwill coach. Reflecting on her journey, Bryce shared that he has had the privilege of watching Amirah grow from an eighth grader learning what employment entails to a confident young woman preparing to apply to college. From early conversations at Bucyrus High School about work expectations to recent meetings at Goodwill’s Bucyrus office discussing her future, Amirah has consistently been a shining example of what the program can accomplish.
Throughout her time in CCMEP, Amirah embraced every opportunity. She appreciated the flexibility the program provided during her busy sports seasons, which included tennis, basketball, and track. She assisted with community events such as Valentine’s Day events and First Fridays in Bucyrus and gained work experience at multiple locations, including Bucyrus High School, New Day, and the Bucyrus Goodwill store.
Amirah eventually secured and sustained employment independently — a major milestone.
Worksite partners consistently praised Amirah’s strong work ethic and dedication. According to Bryce, any location fortunate enough to have her quickly recognized her as the “gold standard” of youth performance within the program. Her humility, consistency, and positive attitude made a lasting impression on supervisors and staff alike.
Since joining Goodwill, Amirah has grown tremendously. She earned her first job, obtained her driver’s license with program support, opened her own bank account, and saved money from her work experiences. She is graduating this year with plans to attend college in the fall.
Looking ahead, Amirah hopes to become a forensic nurse. She credits the program with helping her develop a stronger work ethic and for providing support that contributed to her academic success and future goals.
In her own words:
“I am glad to have stuck with the program and not given up when I first faced challenges.”
Bryce shared that he is incredibly grateful to have worked with such a humble and driven young woman and has no doubt she will continue to accomplish great things.
Amirah’s journey reflects the powerful impact of the partnership between Crawford County Job & Family Services and Goodwill — empowering youth with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to build bright futures.