For a long time, Mercedes did not believe earning her GED was possible.

At 34 years old and raising five children as a single mother, self-doubt was something she carried with her daily. Between parenting responsibilities, work, and the emotional and physical exhaustion that came with trying to balance everything, there were many moments when giving up felt easier than continuing.

But she kept going.

Even on the hardest days, Mercedes stayed committed to building a better future for herself and her children. Through determination, resilience, and support from Goodwill Helms Academy, she pushed past the doubts that once made finishing her education feel out of reach.

Goodwill Helms Academy provides adults with the opportunity to earn their high school diploma or GED in a supportive environment designed to help students overcome barriers, build confidence, and create new opportunities for themselves and their families.

At 71 years old, Jondhi’s life is a powerful example of resilience and purpose. After spending 18 years incarcerated, he returned home in 2009 determined to rebuild. His transition began with six months in a halfway house, followed by enrollment in Goodwill’s rehabilitation program, where he found both stability and support as he adjusted to life outside the system.

Through Goodwill, Jondhi gained more than job experience. He participated in anger management classes that helped him process emotions shaped by years of incarceration, while also building confidence in a supportive work environment. Focused on moving forward, he treated each day as a step toward independence, even preparing for job interviews immediately after work.

At 28, Eleni had already built a strong work history as a teacher’s aide and Certified Nursing Assistant. But despite her experience, she knew she wanted a different career path that better matched her goals.

After being referred to Goodwill by the New Jersey Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, Eleni participated in a clerical assessment program designed to prepare participants for today’s increasingly automated office environments. While tools like spreadsheets and presentations once felt intimidating, Eleni developed new skills and earned certifications in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.