Poverty in the Miami Valley is real

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"Every time I am involved with MVW, whether it is listening to a Member story, or planning with the organization I come away impressed and hopeful."

MVW Member

As a new service of Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley, we'd like to fill this page with comments from our Star Employers and our Members.   So if you have a comment, please let us know and we will post it here.   Thanks.  

If you have comments that you would like to share, please contact us at 937.528-6410.

"I had a job interview the second day of the workshop.  I got the job.  What I learned on the first day of the workshop regarding how to handle tough interview questions was the winner for me.  I finished out the week and am now gainfully employed.  Thank you Miami Valley Works!"

– Ronald T., MVW Member

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At the end of every workshop, our Skills Training Facilitator asks the class "Give me one word or phrase that stands out from this past week?".   The responses are used to create the above shown graphic that is printed on the back of the "Graduation" certificate.  This was from Class No. 5.

During the Job Readiness Skills Workshop that was conducted the week of June 15, our participants were asked “What was the most meaningful experience for you personally during the week of the Workshop?”  Below are the responses:

  • “The Mock Interviews” – Cleveland Marshall
  • “Learning everything in its entirety” – Ronald Brown
  • “Everything…including today the last Mock Interview” - Carol Oldham
  • “Feedback from the interviews…Doing the interviews in front of the class was very helpful” – Janee Hurley
  • “Dedication and compassion of staff.  I was ready to quit but after talking with Michelle and Dan I decided to stick it out!” – Paul Stark
  • “The whole week was a great learning experience…” – Anisa Chambers
  • “Re-learning good information to put to current use..” – Patricia Lyons
  • “Facing our fears…” - Lateah Johnson

 

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When Bobbie Wright-Zyst (front row left, shown with her Miami Valley Works classmates) first learned about Goodwill Easter Seals’ Miami Valley Works program, she was feeling overwhelmed. She wanted to turn her life around, but had many barriers that were making it especially challenging to find a job. She had physical limitations due to a spinal infusion. Bobbie was also living in poverty, and was struggling just to meet her basic needs. But, while attending a presentation, Bobbie heard about Miami Valley Works and her life has been on the upswing ever since.

Bobbie attended the Job Skills Readiness training where she learned how to create an impactful resume, highlight her skills in a job interview, and better understand some of the soft skills that employers value. Bobbie was an avid learner, obtaining a job just a few weeks later in the customer service field!

Now Bobbie has a much more stable life. Her career goal is to work in the healthcare field. She is attending classes at Clark State University and recently obtained her Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding. (And is very proud to have received an A in the coursework!) Bobbie completed one year of continuous employment in August. She is proof that having determination and the right supports can turn a life around. She has gone from poverty and reliance on public assistance towards a career and newfound dignity and self-respect.