Ariana, Goodwill EARN Program Success Story

Ariana is a 23-year-old, single mother with a 3-year-old son. She struggled with homelessness over the course of several years. She put a lot of work into finding stable housing for her and her son until they were eventually accepted into a transitional housing program, where she received help finding a permanent residence. In October of 2022 - before moving into her apartment - she began the Goodwill EARN Program. Her goal was to find full-time employment. She wanted to find work as a teacher’s aide, which would allow her to sustain her housing and provide for her family. She took advantage of EARN Job Readiness services and received assistance with her resume and cover letter. Ariana then dedicated herself to an intensive job search, working with the EARN to secure employment. This effort resulted not only in finding a job, but one that completely aligned with her goals. At the end of November 2022, she started a full-time job as a teaching assistant. In addition to a very competitive salary and full benefits, her son gets to attend their preschool program, which he loves! In early December, Ariana and her son finally moved into their new apartment, a move that brings them joy and allows them to make the space their own.  Ariana shared that the EARN retention incentives have been a vital resource as they go through this transitional period, and she’s very grateful for such support. We would like to extend our congratulations to Ariana, who has achieved so much through hard work, resourcefulness, and determination.