At Good Sam, we prioritize our guests’ pathways to education and provide support to help them achieve their dreams. We are excited to share–and celebrate–some recent guest achievements.
KRISSY
Milestone: Received her GED through Vermont’s Adult Education and Literacy Program
Honors: Valedictorian of her class
Question: How do you feel about yourself? Are you proud?!
Krissy: “I am very proud. I now see the potential of what I can actually do—without second guessing. And I think that’s the biggest thing. You can’t second guess. Believe in yourself. Stay positive. Yes, it gets hard. Yes, there are things that are going to get in the way. That’s when you’ve got to really dig down and search and find a way to overcome the difficult times.”
Future Plans: Krissy is currently completing prerequisite classes for the LNA (Licensed
Nursing Assistant) program through Central Vermont Medical Center. If accepted, she will be balancing 40 hours of work per week alongside 20 hours of coursework.
ERIC
Milestone: Currently enrolled in Community College of Vermont and studying to receive Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science
Highlights: Recently started working at the Lighthouse Program, a peer-supported Public Inebriate Program through Washington County Mental Health, providing “emergency, nonmedical, social detoxification as an alternative to local- and state-level incarceration for those in need of supervision due to alcohol incapacitation.” Eric looks after these folks to ensure their safety overnight and connects them to helpful resources.
How Good Sam Helped: “The majority of help has been just being able to be here at Good Sam.
“Good Sam also sponsored me, giving me the funds to pay for my certification in Smart Recovery. Also, I was in debt…There was a small payment program that I was able to take advantage of, which is great…The director recognized the barriers that I was facing and stepped in and said, you know we have these funds available for people who show motivation. And, I’ve taken full advantage.”
Future Plans: Eric plans to work in recovery and lead people who are struggling with substance use disorder, alcoholism, or any behavioral problem that is holding a person back.
TONY
Milestone: Graduated from the Community Kitchen Academy through Capstone Community Action
Question: Why did you decide to enroll in the Kitchen Academy program?
Tony: “I took it because it was another skill. I wanted the certification and the knowledge so when I go and do an application I will be able to put down that I have that certification—because even if the job is not in the cooking industry at all, it shows that you are able and willing to learn something, and you want to retain knowledge and progress as a person.
“The program will also teach you team skills–like working with others.
So, if you’ve never worked with others or you have a hard time working with others, it will help you to work, maybe, a little bit better with others. Because it is a team environment.”
Future Path: The Kitchen Academy program helped Tony figure out that he is interested in becoming a restaurant health inspector.
RYAN
Milestone: Graduated from the Community Kitchen Academy through Capstone Community Action with Safe Serve certificate
Question: Did you have an interest in cooking before you took the Kitchen Academy course?
Ryan: I was burned out with working front of house, so I wanted to do something else. It was a hard transition…but I thought it would be a good way to reinvent my tool set.”
How Good Sam Helped: “Good Sam was integral in stabilizing me and giving me a place—quickly. They definitely looked out for me and I’m grateful for Good Sam and its employees.”
Question: Do you like it here in Vermont? Do you plan to stay?
Ryan: “I don’t know. Vermont is really a tough nut to crack. You know, it’s not an easy place to get a foothold in—compared to other places in the country, I would say.”
Question: Why do you think it’s tough here?
Ryan: “I’d say the housing market. I have no criminal history, or drug or alcohol problems. And, and 20 years of experience in food service and hospitality and it’s still been very hard to find a job here—you know, that will get you into that very hard to find housing situation.”
Future Plans: Ryan is seeking (or may have already found) employment in a local restaurant/pub.
FREDDY
Milestone: Produced a play as part of his Master’s program at Vermont College of Fine Arts in Montpelier
Performance: Freddy’s play, “The Bizarre Language of Birds,” is an original one act, two character play, inspired by Edward Albee’s ‘Zoo Story,’ that speaks directly about homelessness and identity. It was performed over two nights at the Open Door Theater at Vermont College of Fine Arts.
In addition to the guests mentioned above, many others are currently working on their GED, enrolled in college, taking the Kitchen Academy course, or working towards improving their skills in other ways. We are proud of their efforts and are committed to supporting them in every way possible.
Guest opportunities are made possible, in part, through support of Emily’s fund.
Emily’s Fund was established in tribute to Emily Hallett Higgins who was a Good Sam board member and tireless advocate for individuals experiencing homelessness. This fund supports guests with their educational, employment, and family reunification goals.
If you would like to contribute to EMILY’S FUND, please note it on your check or in the comment section when giving online.