Brooke endured an abusive relationship for 20 years, which resulted in her using drugs to cope. That ultimately led to her incarceration.
As she was preparing for her release, Brooke took part in a workshop for Goodwill Industries of Kentucky’s Aspire program, which provides incarcerated individuals within 90 days of release from prison with pre-release job training and supportive services. She was connected with career coach Steven Sherwood, who guided her through barrier-removal services, job placement, career coaching, family reunification, and more holistic resources.
“Before meeting with Steven, I was up for parole, and I already felt defeated,” she said. “I knew what I was going back home to.”
When Brooke was released, she moved to Louisville to take part in the program. Originally from Dixon, Kentucky, which has a population of 900, she said she was scared to move but knew it was the opportunity she needed.
“We have one stoplight, one dollar store, and one gas station,” she said. “So, I was a little intimidated to come to Louisville, but I knew this was my chance. I knew it was what I had been waiting for—a chance to change my life. I took that leap of faith. I was scared to death. Because I didn’t have anything when I got out. I had myself and that piece of hope that he gave me.”
Brooke earned multiple professional certifications through the program, in addition to the knowledge she needed to rejoin the workforce. She was hired at the Northfield Goodwill store in Louisville, and after just six weeks, she was promoted to team lead. She recently accepted another promotion as a Goodwill career coach, which will allow her to help others who have similar challenges.
“It’s such a blessing to be able to pay it forward,” she said. “I know there are people out there just like me who feel like there’s no way out and want change so badly, but they don’t know where to get it. Aspire helped me overcome that, and I want to pay that forward.”
Brooke said she wouldn’t be where she is today without Steven, senior store manager Chad Vaughn, and career coach Ronrico Williams.
“For the first time in my life, I feel like somebody has listened to me and helped me set goals and have been there with me, working toward them,” she said. “I just hope that I am able to do that for others.”