On January 23, Goodwill of North Georgia announced its Clean Tech Program. This program offers trainees the opportunity to learn the skills necessary for maintaining electric vehicle charge stations, solar energy storage, and other clean energy technologies. DeWayne Franco, a 23-year-old native of Queens, New York, was introduced to Goodwill of North Georgia by the Urban League of Greater Atlanta-Promise South. He saw the opportunity and knew it would change his life. DeWayne will enter the Clean Tech program as part of the 2nd Cohort.
From the first time DeWayne met with his Goodwill counselors, he captured their attention through his determination to change his life. Despite DeWayne’s determination, there were several challenges he needed to overcome in order to start his change. He needed assistance because he has been homeless since he was 15, he currently does not have a GED, no transportation, and he is currently unemployed.
“I found out about Goodwill’s career centers in December,” DeWayne says. “My life was on a bad path, and I wanted a change, so I woke up early every day and got on the bus and train. I would get home late and tired, but I kept going. I needed to make a change; I really needed to seize this opportunity.”
DeWayne first heard of the Clean Tech program when it was introduced to the Urban League of Atlanta. DeWayne admits that he always considered Goodwill a place to find “cool clothes” and had no idea about the organization’s 14 career centers or that they could help him get a job.
“I had no idea that Goodwill helped people find jobs,” he said. “However, I knew I had to get into the clean tech program. From what I heard about the program at the Urban League, I knew it would allow me to get on my feet and stay on them.”
DeWayne visited Goodwill three times and met with Debra Young, a career services navigator at Goodwill.
“From the moment I met DeWayne, I knew he was special,” says Young. “He may not have the best situation, but his willingness to do whatever it takes to change that situation makes him different. It makes him a fighter.”
DeWayne says the Goodwill staff created an environment that felt like a second family.
“Debra and the staff made me feel really special; they made me feel like I mattered. I may be homeless, but while at Goodwill, I felt like I was at home. Debra Young really made me feel special like that,” he says.
Debra said DeWayne passed the Northstar test needed to get into the Clean Tech program with flying colors.
“When I checked his scores, he received nothing under 95% and received a 100% on basic computers, internet, email, windows, and MAC. I was amazed at his capabilities. Goodwill of North Georgia provides free training programs for individuals like DeWayne interested in advancing their knowledge or learning something new.
“The test day was crazy for me,” DeWayne said. “It was pouring rain, but it didn’t matter. I took two buses and two trains and still arrived on time. I was soaking wet, so I went to the bathroom and used the dryer to dry myself off as best I could before taking the test. I knew I had to arrive presenting myself the best way I could.”
As of today, DeWayne has taken part of the GED testing and has passed. The Urban League sponsored the test. He is currently waiting for the Clean Tech classes to begin while finding creative ways to bring in an income, such as tattooing.
“Although I’m still navigating homelessness, I have to say I am extremely grateful to Goodwill for this opportunity because it truly means the world to me,” DeWayne says. “Other people are starting to see purpose in me and all the hard work I’ve done in life, and they want to help me shine my light on the world. With nothing ever given to me, I will take full advantage of any help provided to me so long as it helps me be the best man I can be. I have nothing else to lose and everything to gain.”
