“It’s important for me to talk about mental health issues, because there is a stigma that had affected me in the past. I want people to be able to talk about it and not be ashamed. After all I’ve been through, I finally like myself, and I’m going to school and fulfilling a goal. I will be getting my associate's degree, and I think that’s amazing. I struggled, it’s a challenge, but I’m doing it.” – Diane

“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. 

“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.” 

“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.”

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.

"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. 

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' 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.

Join us for an elegant evening on November 2, as we raise funds for resilient women.

Read Haley-Jo, Stephanie, Lisa and Daniel's story in the latest round up of our #GoodwillFaces series.