Goodwill program participant continues to inspire
Yolanda Cuellar, a single mother of two, came to Goodwill as a victim of domestic abuse, seeking a way to provide for her family through a career path in nursing. Our mission at Goodwill Southern California is to “transform lives through the power of work,” and thousands of disadvantaged job seekers and hopefuls, like Yolanda, come to benefit from Goodwill’s job placement and training programs and services. With the assistance of Goodwill, Yolanda worked her way through school and became a licensed vocational nurse. After continuing her education, Yolanda successfully applied for a nursing scholarship and entered the Registered Nursing program at East Los Angeles College in February 2009 and in the summer of 2010, Yolanda became a registered nurse (R.N) and continues to assist other nursing students, by sharing her old books, and encouraging them through the program.
“Without a doubt, Goodwill was my stepping-stone to success. All its contributions have not gone in vain and each and everyone who has helped me reach this point have had a hand in my success. My children (Lorraine, 20, and Nicholas, 14) and I thank Goodwill, and donors, for the help and success we’ve found in life.”
A year ago, Yolanda succeeded in completing our programs, today, Yolanda is an inspiration and a testament to our mission – “transforming lives through the power of work.”
