Goodwill has a mission that goes beyond being just a thrift store or a donation center. It has a deeper purpose—to empower individuals who face barriers and equip them with the skills they need to lead fulfilling and successful lives. Adaobi is one such individual who has benefited from our services.
Adaobi is unique in that she is her own guardian. She makes her own decisions, and one of those decisions led her to Goodwill’s Day Services Program. The Day Services Program is a comprehensive program accredited by CARF that focuses on developing essential life skills for those with disability barriers. Life skills range from emotional management, communication, healthy living habits, money management, and many more that support everyday life.
Breaking Barriers in Higher Education
Upon joining Goodwill, Adaobi’s personalized care team identified her areas of support, including mood regulation, relationship improvements, and time management. The team has been instrumental in providing a phenomenal support system for Adaobi to achieve her goals both within and outside of Goodwill. Goodwill’s care teams are devoted to providing tailored care and attention to each participant, acknowledging their unique needs and aspirations. This individualized approach not only makes each participant feel valued and understood but also empowers them to pursue their own path to success.
For individuals with intellectual disability barriers, accessing and succeeding in higher education can be a significant challenge. Currently, only 14% of students with intellectual disability barriers are enrolled in postsecondary education, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. However, colleges and universities across the country are developing programs and services to support these students, highlighting the importance of postsecondary education for all.
Adaobi is of that 14%. She attends college a few days a week and is working on her time management skills to help her consistently receive stellar grades.
“I find it incredibly impressive that she can manage her time between school, the Day Services Program, homework, and her other activities. The constant changing of daily schedules would tire a lot of people out, but she does very well with it,” said Bre Holland, her Day Services Instructor. “I have so many alarms set on my phone all the time, and I have a little calendar where I write things down,” said Adaobi.
Forging Friendships
Aside from her impressive educational achievements, Adaobi is exceptionally talented in the arts. She loves anything artistic that evokes socialization with her friends, such as music, singing, dancing, and art. “When I was 7, I was in a karaoke contest where I sang You Belong With Me, and I won 2nd place in the junior division,” said Adaobi. She’s found a friendship with Sadie, another program participant, and they love to talk about the movie Five Nights at Freddy’s.
“Adaobi came to us needing support in developing relationships and handling emotions with other people. She’s opened up and can talk to us about certain things that she wasn’t comfortable with before. Her support system at Goodwill is strong and encourages her to excel,” said Bre.
Furthering Goodwill’s Mission
Adaobi’s experience is an example of the power of a supportive community. She has learned to manage her time effectively and is working on building friendships. When asked what advice she would give new participants of Goodwill of Central Iowa’s Day Services program, Adaobi replied, “I’d tell them everyone here is very nice, and the staff is nice. We do so many fun things here, and there’s no need to be nervous.” Please visit our Programs Overview blog to learn more about Goodwill of Central Iowa’s various programs, including the Day Services Program.
