When Virginia walked through the doors of Goodwill Southeast Georgia’s Waycross Opportunity Center, she was on a mission. “I came in to update my resume and get stuff done,” she recalls. But she found more than job search assistance-she found a mentor and a community that made all the difference.
“Ms. Champagne is really a sweet person,” Virginia shares. “she helped me get (my resume) to where it was looking absolutely wonderful and knowledgeable.” Each Goodwill Southeast Georgia Opportunity Center is led by a career service specialist. These specialists, like Ms. Champagne, helps each person who visits the center to identify their interests and talents, and achieve their career goals.
Virginia had spent years working in restaurants, starting when she was just 16 years old. But even with her experience, she felt uncertain about her career path. “I kind of knew what I wanted to do,” she admits. “But then I kind of was like, ‘do I really want to stay in the restaurant field, you know, because I’ve been in it for so long.’”
With Ms. Champagne’s support, Virginia found clarity. “Just sitting and talking to her kind of helped me understand where I want her to be in ten years or five.”
More than just a resource, Goodwill Southeast Georgia’s Opportunity Centers provide something deeper-support, encouragement, and a place where everyone feels valued. “(Ms. Champagne) probably doesn’t realize it,” Virginia says, “but she’s impacted so many people’s lives.”