impact

Hi! My name is Graciela. I am from Michoacán. Mexico. I came to the United States in December, 2001. Since then, I have lived in Forest Grove, Oregon.

In my first ten years of marriage, my husband and I were together a few months, and more than a year apart. All these years he was back and forth from Mexico to Oregon. Raising my kids by myself and living alone were the things that helped me to look for a better life.

As a permanent resident, my husband applied for our kids and me. We had to wait seven years until we got green cards.

I came to Oregon with my husband and four boys. We had to leave our home far away. In a few weeks, my life had changed a lot. A year later, the last baby boy was born.

Facing my new life, I noticed how important it is to learn the language of this country. In September, 2003, I started English class four days per week. Pushing two kids in a stroller, I walked to class every day. I did not care about bad weather. I wanted to learn English.
After three years, I started looking for a job. My neigh­bors had told me about Goodwill. They said, “There you can work and also have English classes.” That was music to my ears, and I applied. After a week. I started to work as a 506 stocker. I have been working more than seven years. Through this time I have done 501, 502, 506, and 505. l love my job. I enjoy cleaning and colorizing shoes and purses.
I am thankful to be employed at Goodwill and also an English student. Thanks to English teacher, Aaron and my manager, Julie Olsen. Thanks, Goodwill, for helping people with changing their lives