Meet Goodwill Intern Martrez
“The youth look up to me. I’m young, but knowing they look up to me is kind of different, because at one point I was the person looking up to staff.” – Martrez, Seattle Goodwill Intern and Youth Program Participant
Martrez graduated from Seattle’s Cleveland High School in 2019. Before he connected with Goodwill, Martrez compared himself to his peers who lacked interest in school and weren’t on the right track. After building relationships and receiving guidance from Goodwill’s Youth Year-Round Program Job Training & Education (JTE) staff, Martrez’s mindset shifted.
Meet Goodwill Youth Program Participant and Intern Nika
“I believe this internship offers a lot of help for the lower-income students – not for the students who have the highest grades or have the most amount of money or already have a place in college,” Nika said. “Goodwill speaks for students who are struggling in an environment they don’t think they can get out of. It’s good to give an opportunity for others who need it, and Goodwill does that.”
Meet Goodwill Intern Rodney
“The internship is a pretty good opportunity, especially if you are trying to see what work is like,” Rodney said. “You’re learning things, and you’ve got really supportive people there that want to help you grow and succeed in life.”
Meet Goodwill Youth Student MaiQueen
MaiQueen’s first summer with Seattle Goodwill has been an immersion in career exploration, professional development, community service, and so much more. A senior at Seattle’s Garfield High School, she stayed busy last summer developing job skills in Goodwill’s Youth Maritime Program.
Meet Goodwill Intern Alieu
"Because of this internship, I had a more productive summer. I turned it into a, ‘Let’s go to work and see what I can accomplish, regardless of the circumstances," Alieu says about his five-month work experience with Goodwill.
Dominic & Seattle Goodwill Youth Programming
Amid a worldwide pandemic and a senior year of high school without spring sports, prom or a graduation ceremony, Dominic had critical decisions to make about his future.
Dominic — a football, wrestling and track athlete with a deep passion for aerospace — was trying to select the college that fit him best. His parents were busy working from home, and his access to school mentors was limited. Dominic took comfort in knowing he could lean on Seattle Goodwill’s youth program leaders when he needed advice.
Yonas' Story
Yonas' college dreams were cut short when he was arrested for practicing his religious belief in his home country. After a harrowing journey to the US, Goodwill helped Yonas get back on track to achieve a lifelong goal.
2019 Glitter Gala Resilient Women
Join us for an elegant evening on November 2, as we raise funds for resilient women.
Catch up with Goodwill's #GoodwillFaces series
Read Haley-Jo, Stephanie, Lisa and Daniel's story in the latest round up of our #GoodwillFaces series.
Dominique's Story
Dominique has been playing catch-up since she gave birth to her daughter at 17 years old. Read how Goodwill helped Dominique achieve her goals and obtain her HS 21+ diploma.