Recognizing Achievements!
Every year Goodwill recognizes extraordinary graduates,
volunteers, employees and community and business partners
at our Annual Awards Luncheon. Below are the inspiring
stories from the 2006 winners.
 Graduate of the Year
Carla Dyer
Carla’s life had been stable after her divorce
from her high school sweetheart - the two had 3 daughters,
but they grew apart. To support her family Carla worked
in the manufacturing department of Playtex and she
also received child support. After some time had passed,
Carla met someone new who she developed a relationship
with.
Now in a new relationship, Carla gave birth to another
daughter and her first son. Life should have been
happy for Carla, but she realized her boyfriend was
abusing one of her daughters. Carla immediately ended
their relationship and he was no longer a part of
their lives. To make matters worse, Carla was involved
in a hit-and-run accident, leaving her with severe
back injuries. Due to her injuries, Carla had to undergo
a year of therapy and was unable to return to her
job. For the next 6 years Carla was unable to gain
employment because of her injuries. To support her
family, she continued to receive child support for
her three older children, made and sold crafts, and
received government assistance.
Feeling better and wanting to reenter the workforce,
Carla pursued a certified nursing assistant training
program, but due to her injuries she was unable to
perform the tasks required for the training. She then
sought help from the Delaware Division of Vocational
Rehabilitation, which referred her to Goodwill.
At Goodwill, Carla entered the Computerized Office
Skills Training Program and graduated. After graduating,
Carla interviewed with the State Janitorial Supply
Company and was hired as a customer service representative.
Today, Carla is working full-time and supporting her
family. She is also in a new relationship and is engaged
to be married.
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