When P. Bennett, a 59-year-old resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, came to Goodwill, she had a clear goal: to secure in-person employment that offered benefits, stability and an opportunity to continue building her future.
Through Goodwill’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment & Training (SNAP E&T) program, P. Bennett committed to strengthening her skills and preparing for new career opportunities. She came to the program with a strong educational foundation, having earned diplomas in Office Specialist and Computer Operations from Delta Junior College.
To build upon that foundation, P. Bennett completed 11 Skills to Succeed Academy modules focused on career exploration, digital literacy, problem-solving, computer skills and workplace readiness. The training helped strengthen the skills and confidence she needed to navigate today’s job market and pursue opportunities aligned with her experience.
Working closely with her Career Navigator, P. Bennett also updated and strengthened her professional resume to highlight her education, experience, and qualifications. Throughout her job search, she received individualized career guidance, encouragement and interview preparation. Although she attended several interviews before finding the right opportunity, P. Bennett remained persistent and continued moving forward.
Her persistence paid off. P. Bennett accepted a position with a dermatology clinic as a Phone Receptionist, working 27.5 hours per week. The opportunity provides the in-person professional environment she was seeking while allowing her to put her administrative, computer and customer service skills to work.
Goodwill also recognized that successful employment involves more than securing a job. To help remove financial barriers associated with starting her new position, P. Bennett received two sets of scrubs and a pair of shoes required for her work uniform. With these supports in place, she was able to begin her new role prepared and ready for success.
P. Bennett’s journey demonstrates what can happen when preparation, persistence and the right support come together. Through SNAP E&T, she strengthened her skills, refined her job-search strategy, built confidence and received the practical support needed to move from seeking employment to successfully entering the workforce.
Her journey does not end with her first day on the job. Over the next 90 days, her Career Navigator will continue providing follow-up services to support job retention, address barriers that may arise and encourage her continued growth and success.
We proudly congratulate P. Bennett on this accomplishment. Her story is a reminder that meaningful employment is not always about finding the first opportunity, it is about preparing for the right opportunity and having the support to succeed when that opportunity comes.
Success stories like these are only possible through the generosity of our donors. Make a gift to Goodwill today.