Emotional Story: Breaking Generational Curses

Ametra holding the Goodwill Acadiana HiSET Graduate sign

🎉 Join us in celebrating Ametra - a loving mom breaking generational curses!

Ametra dropped out of high school after 10th grade to take care of her newborn baby. She has been a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) for 28 years and has loved caring for others and helping them through life!

Throughout this time, she raised six happy and successful children and taught them work ethic, the power of education, and how to treat others, because she didn't want them to go through the same struggles she did.

After seeing her friend get her HiSET from Goodwill Acadiana, Ametra knew it was time to get hers too. She kept her schooling a secret from her children at first, only surprising them with the news on a family vacation!

Ametra powered through the program, even as she cared for her mom after surgery. When she found out she passed her final test, she fell to the exam room floor in joy 💙

She's excited to cross the stage in December with South Louisiana Community College, and she said "It's always been my dream to wear a cap and gown!" She hopes her story inspires her family and others to achieve their dreams.

Ametra, your caring heart and perseverance are so inspiring. We're so proud of you, and people's lives are better because you're in it!

To our community: YOU made this possible. Your donations are so much more than items. They are second chances, and Ametra is proof 🫶

To register for Goodwill Acadiana's HiSET program, visit our Services page for more info!

Emotional Story: Gaining Self-Confidence and Inspiring Others

Devin holding the Goodwill Acadiana HiSET Graduate Sign

🎉 Join us in celebrating Devin - a loving mom who overcame all obstacles!

Devin dropped out of high school in the ninth grade when she became pregnant with her first son, making him her first priority. Two years later, she'd have another baby boy and aimed to support them as best she could.

For a long time, she didn't believe in herself and struggled with confidence, but her coworkers saw something in her and encouraged her to get her HISET so she could become a Pharmacy Tech.

She hopes her HISET will inspire her kids to finish their education as well, and her achievement comes at a perfect time too, as she's getting married on September 6th 💙

Devin, you can do anything you put your mind to, and you're an inspiration to so many. We're so proud of you and wish you the best of luck in your next chapter!

To our community: YOU made this possible. Your donations are so much more than items. They are second chances, and Devin is proof 🫶

To register for Goodwill Acadiana's HiSET program, visit our Services page for more info!

Emotional Story: A Reminder that Hope Always Wins

Kimbly holding the Goodwill Acadiana HiSET Graduate sign

🎉 Join us in celebrating Kimbly - a woman who reminds us that hope always wins!

Kimbly left high school in the ninth grade after years of relentless bullying. Her mom didn’t agree with the decision but respected it, telling her, “It’s brave when you can walk away from bullying.”

Life would test her in unimaginable ways. She lost her dad to cancer in 2003, a sister in 2017, and during COVID, two siblings on the same day. Even through her heartbreak, Kimbly kept going. She attended class with Ms. Lisa every chance she got, using Learning Express to study and even sharing resources to help her classmates succeed.

Even on one of her saddest days, just hours after losing her brother, Kimbly still showed up to class. She knew he would want her to finish, and school became her anchor in the storm 💙

Since achieving her HISET, Kimbly has already enrolled in Criminal Justice classes at South Louisiana Community College!

Kimbly, your strength and kindness are unmatched. We are so, so proud of you. Your journey is proof that no matter how heavy the losses, hope can still win.

To our community: YOU made this possible. Your donations are so much more than items. They are second chances, and Kimbly is proof 🫶

To register for Goodwill Acadiana's HiSET program, visit our Services page for more info!