For David Yelton, the walk into Goodwill’s Career and Training Center wasn’t just a step toward employment – it was the first step toward a completely new life.

After years of long-term incarceration, the world can feel overwhelming, but David arrived with something more powerful than fear: a mission. Armed with a recommendation from their mentor and an ironclad resolve, they didn’t just look for a job; they began building a foundation.

Redemption isn’t just a single event; it’s a series of intentional choices. David treated every resource available like a tool for transformation. Thier journey since that first day has been defined by “smart planning” in action. In a short amount of time, they have:

• Successfully earned their driver’s license.
• Obtained reliable transportation to navigate their new life.
• Landed a steady job where they have found not only a consistent paycheck but a supportive environment to grow.

While their present is stable, David's eyes are firmly fixed on the future. They are currently honing skills and building the professional network required to become a peer support specialist. For David, redemption isn’t complete until they can reach back and pull others up behind them. They want to use their lived experience to be the light for those still walking through challenges they have already faced.

Today, David isn’t just “getting by” – they are thriving, proving every day that our past might be the prologue, but we are the ones holding the pen for the rest of the story.

If you’re inspired by success stories like David’s and want to help make a difference in the lives of individuals seeking a career and independence, visit our Donate Online page and be a vital part of the Goodwill mission!