When David was preparing to be released from his 20-year prison sentence, he had plans to move back to California to be with his family before Goodwill Kentucky’s Aspire program began operating in his facility.
He didn’t want to be a burden on his family, so he enrolled in the program to take advantage of valuable resources before and after his release. After being introduced to his career coach, Aaron Wilson, he was off and running.
“We only talked about positive stuff—how Goodwill is going to help me out, how they’re going to get me what I need for schooling, everything,” he said. “It was a helping hand; there was so many positive things.”
“I told my family in California, ‘I want to try this first.’ I was locked up for 20 years. I don’t know the future, but I want something positive in my life. And Goodwill was the way to go.”
Since his release in November 2024, David has earned valuable life and job skills, including completing a three-month Enhanced Operator Course through Jefferson Community and Technical College, which earned him 16 college credit hours. With Aaron’s help, he also obtained his birth certificate and driver’s license.
David was hired at our Northfield location. He took advantage of Goodwill Housing, has reshaped his smile through our dental assistance program for employees, and most recently was matched with a car through the Cars to Work Program.
“I deeply, deeply appreciate the people at Goodwill,” he said. “Everything works out, as long as you stay focused and positive. Everyone was wonderful over there.”