In the wake of Hurricane Katrina's devastation, stories of resilience and hope continue to emerge. Among them is the journey of Shekinah Peterson, a single mother who found herself displaced by the storm but persevered and found hope at Goodwill San Antonio. 

“It’s safe to say that I felt lost,” said Shekinah, who is set to graduate from the pharmacy technician program at the Goodwill Good Careers Academy. “I recognized the opportunities that were available to me in this great city, so I decided to remain and plant my roots.” 

In 2005, Shekinah arrived in San Antonio, as a young single mother. Determined to rebuild her life, she enrolled in the Goodwill Good Careers Academy, a vocational training center offering educational opportunities at no cost to the community. Despite the obstacles of balancing motherhood and school, she persevered, driven by the desire to provide a better life for her children. 

“I decided that I want to change my life, I want to change my outlook on life,” said Shekinah, who was going to school and working several part-time jobs. “I wanted to do something to make my kids proud.” 

While studying to be a pharmacy technician at the Goodwill Good Careers Academy, Shekinah discovered a passion for healthcare. With the support of her instructors, she immersed herself in her studies, excelling in both academic coursework and practical training. 

After months of hard work, Shekinah will be graduating from the Academy with honors and has already landed a full-time job in the field. For her, this achievement represents more than just a professional milestone, it symbolizes her promise to her children of a better life. 

When you donate and shop at Goodwill San Antonio, you help provide GOOD jobs, career training, and employment placement services at no cost to individuals in our community. To find the nearest donation center click here. To learn more about the free career training available at Goodwill click here, or call 210-924-8581. 

By Yvonne Zamora Byrd, ybyrd@goodwillsa.org