Mission Moment: Natacha’s Journey

I had shopped at Goodwill but first learned about their training programs through a flyer from the local job development center. I was an aide at a group home for adults with developmental disabilities but wanted to enroll in a nursing assistant program.

When my mother had cancer, I loved how the people on her healthcare team cared for her. Becoming a nurse has always been my goal. I had some experience in the industry, what I didn’t have were the credentials to give me more options.

I was really happy to get accepted into Goodwill’s healthcare program. I planned to take classes from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and work from 4 to midnight. Then COVID hit.

I was laid off for two months because the group home needed people who could live onsite full-time. I have a young daughter so that didn’t work for me. I resigned when the group home asked workers to return but changed to 12-hour shifts. It made childcare a problem and I needed to be there for my daughter, who is now two.

Goodwill had to cancel their in-person healthcare training. But I was hopeful because their email said they were exploring a new virtual program, which I started last May.

Online learning was an adjustment because I learn better being in a classroom. But my Career Coach, Ms. Monique, and Ms. Lisa from Goodwill were always there. They sent links to videos and online resources where I could further my skills.

I graduated in 28 weeks studying at night after my daughter went to sleep. Given how well I did with training for my Certified Medical Administrative Assistant credentials, Goodwill encouraged me to keep going. I earned two more certifications – Certified Clinical Medical Assistant and Certified Customer Service Professional.