Kimberly: A Prescription for a Brighter Future

When Kimberly was 13 years old, life at home changed in ways she didn’t expect. Her father’s absence brought challenges, but it also taught her the meaning of being resilient.  

“When my dad left, we were devastated,” said Kimberly. “We had bills, debt, and my mom was trying to keep everything together. It was very hard.” 

While other teenagers focused on school, Kimberly focused on helping her family. With her mom working long hours on construction sites, she took on the role of caregiver for her younger brother, helping him with homework, cooking meals, and doing her best to keep the household running. 

“My mom did everything she could and worked nonstop for minimum pay,” said Kimberly. “There was a year when she didn’t even see us grow. It was brutal for me because I had to be a caretaker for my brother and make sure, he went to bed on time.” 

For Kimberly, college had always been a dream, but it wasn’t something she could afford. After graduating high school, she started working at Walgreens to support her family. Still, she longed for something more- a meaningful career that would allow her to build a better future for herself. 

Everything changed when she discovered the Pharmacy Technician Program at the Goodwill Academy, a program designed to help individuals gain skills and certifications for in-demand careers. The Academy not only provides professional training, but also wraparound support, making education accessible to anyone ready to change their life through the power of work. 

Once enrolled in the program, Kimberly gave it her all. She’s now preparing to graduate at the top of her class, honored with induction into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) and chosen as the student speaker for graduation. 

After recently completing her externship, she was offered a full-time job at a local pharmacy, turning her training into a career. She now finds joy and purpose in her work and feels grateful to Goodwill for making it possible. 

“I’m just so grateful for the opportunity,” said Kimberly. “I didn’t have to pay anything out of pocket, which was such a blessing. Goodwill gave me the chance to keep moving forward and build a better future for myself.”

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By Yvonne Z. Byrd, Multimedia Design Manager

When you donate and shop at Goodwill San Antonio, you’re helping change lives, just like Kimberly’s.
Learn how your donations support local training programs at https://www.goodwillsa.org/career-training/.