For years, Lilian struggled to break free from an abusive relationship. It was a toxic environment that resulted in a criminal record, which impeded her ability to land a sustainable job. She needed the employment to help support family members.
A visit to a local food pantry in 2021 would change her life. It was there she saw a Goodwill Houston flyer and ended up enrolling in the Life Launch program. The program serves young adults between the ages of 18-24 who have been in the justice system. It provides educational and employment assistance. She received navigation, work readiness, goal setting, and financial coaching thus helping her to gain the confidence needed to focus on her future.
With continued support, Lilian earned a food handlers certification and maintained full-time employment for an entire year, as a content reviewer. Through Goodwill’s partnership with Easy Expunctions, Lilian’s criminal charges are eligible to be expunged within the upcoming year, opening doors for better and brighter opportunities.
Lilian is now tackling a new challenge in her life. She recently began graduate school at the International Development and Social Anthropology program at Birkbeck, University of London, where she is working on her master’s program.