“I am proof that YOU can do it!”
– Amber
Alone and faced with medical complications during pregnancy at age 16, Amber didn’t have much of a choice other than dropping out of high school during her sophomore year. While she threw herself into being the very best mom she could be for the next few years, she wanted more for herself and for her son. “Being asked if I had a diploma brought me shame. I was embarrassed,” said Amber.
Upon enrolling in Goodwill’s Helms Academy at age 22, Amber made it a goal to finish up where she left off in the shortest time possible. According to Goodwill Instructor Patti, she did just that all while living in a homeless shelter; juggling childcare; and figuring out transportation issues. “Bright and incredibly ambitious, Amber passed her GED exam in a two-month span which is remarkable,” said Patti.
Amber’s advice to others wanting to make a change in their life is to keep your head and faith high and never stop trying to achieve the goals you set for yourself no matter how impossible they seem to reach. “I am proof that YOU can do it,” said Amber.
Thanks to your generous donations to Goodwill, adult learners like Amber get a fresh start. Today, Amber is pursuing her CNA certification and would eventually like to earn her Master’s degree in Psychology.
Goodwill is where your stuff starts NEW LIVES!
Learn More About Goodwill’s Helms Academy
Goodwill’s Helms Academy provides a second chance at education for adults who have not completed high school. The program offers a tuition-free path to earning a high school diploma in a supportive, flexible environment designed to meet students where they are.
Participants can choose from in-person or virtual learning options, making it easier to balance education with work, family, and other responsibilities. Along the way, students receive personalized support, helping them build confidence, strengthen academic skills, and prepare for future career opportunities.
Helms Academy is more than a classroom. It is a pathway to stability, growth, and new possibilities for individuals ready to take the next step.
To learn more or get started, visit: https://helmsacademy.org/
Discover Programs That Change Lives
The stories you see here are made possible through Goodwill Industries of Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia’s mission services. From adult education and job training to career placement and support services, these programs help individuals overcome barriers and build brighter futures.
If you or someone you know could benefit from these services, we invite you to learn more about the opportunities available.
