For many years, Trisha struggled with addiction and homelessness. She moved between the streets, treatment, short periods of recovery, and relapse. When she left treatment, not having a place to live or money made it hard to stay on track.
The last time Trisha completed treatment, she knew she wanted something different. She reached out to Goodwill’s Foundational Community Supports (FCS) program for help. Through FCS, Trisha moved into a Women’s Oxford House, where she had a safe, stable place to live.
Goodwill also helped Trisha find support to cover her rent while she looked for work. Having stable housing helped her focus on recovery and take steps toward her goals. For the first time in a long time, she could plan for her future.
With support in place, Trisha made strong progress. She found full‑time work and later moved into her own home. This was a goal she once thought would never be possible. Her case manager shared that Trisha worked hard and followed through on every goal she set for herself.
Because of her growth and determination, Trisha was honored as Goodwill’s 2025 Graduate of the Year. This award recognizes the effort, strength, and commitment she showed while building a stable life.
Like many people, Trisha later faced a setback when she lost her job. Knowing she needed extra support, she made the choice to reconnect with the FCS program. She stayed housed during this time and kept moving forward.
Today, Trisha is working again and is applying for other jobs. She is continuing to build job skills and work toward long‑term stability. Trisha is also an artist. She is building a portfolio of her work and recently created a new logo for her recovery group’s women’s retreat.
“Goodwill has already helped me in so many ways and is always there for me when I feel overwhelmed,” Trisha shared.
Trisha’s story shows that success does not mean never needing help. It means asking for support when it’s needed and continuing to move forward. As a Graduate of the Year and someone still building her future, Trisha’s journey is one of strength, growth, and hope.