As a former stay-at-home mom, Mia enjoyed finding good deals on items for her household and liked to thrift shop at Goodwill. Little did she know that she would soon become part of Goodwill’s mission to put people to work!

As she was shopping at Goodwill’s Smyrna location, she noticed a flyer promoting Goodwill’s technology program. Interested, she decided to seek more information. She had goals of working in the IT industry and wondered how Goodwill might be able to help.  

Mia visited the career center inside the store to learn more. She was thrilled to find out that she qualified for funding through SNAP Works, Georgia’s education & training program for those receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. Through the support of Goodwill and SNAP, Mia was able to overcome one of her biggest concerns with returning to work – childcare.  

Throughout the program, Mia received more than just training in the tech industry. She took advantage of opportunities to support her professional development, including getting a professional headshot taken. Mia worked hard to learn new skills while balancing the new responsibilities of work and home. “I am proud of myself and how I developed a strong work ethic and the discipline required to study and work remotely,” Mia remembers.  

Towards the end of Mia’s training program she had the incredible opportunity to meet with a team from Google, where she received job readiness training and one-on-one advice from leaders in the tech industry. Feeling inspired, Mia felt ready to return to work and accepted a full-time role as a PC technician. She knows this is just the beginning and continues to advance her skills with additional online courses.