In 2022, Donna faced a life-threatening situation after becoming trapped in a trash compactor, dehydrated and unable to call for help. She was ultimately rescued, and that experience became a turning point in her life.
Addiction and incarceration shaped much of Donna’s adulthood, but she took steps toward turning it around by reaching out to Goodwill Kentucky. She started the intake process, but it wasn’t until she attended the grand opening of the Paducah Opportunity Center that something changed.
“Something really moved in me,” she said. “I hadn’t pursued it any further than doing the intake, but after the grand opening, I graduated job-readiness training, got my peer support, and in March, I’ll become full-time. The long game is to keep climbing, helping however I can.”
Today, Donna works at the Paducah Opportunity Center, giving a hand up to others she can empathize with.
“My goal was to remove the numbers behind my name and replace them with letters,” she said. “[When sharing my story] I tell clients I call myself, ‘From the dumpster to the desk.’ Now, I’m able to give back. Not only because I can relate to them, but I tell them, ‘You could be me.’”
With help from Goodwill Kentucky, Donna has also rebuilt her relationship with her family and earned a vehicle through Goodwill’s transportation assistance programs. She now has her sights set on purchasing her own home.
“I have so much to be grateful for,” she said. “Goodwill has been behind me every step of the way. It’s been baby steps and goals, but I’m achieving them, one by one.”