Standing Tall

Aurora’s childhood had been filled with abuse and abandonment. She was removed from her family and faced many challenges that came with being uprooted and relocated several times. Her future was uncertain when she came to Youth Services at Goodwill Industries of Northwest NC.

At 13, Aurora became a participant in LINKS, an independent living and skills program for foster youth in partnership with the Buncombe County Department of Health and Human Services.

Through her determination and perseverance, Aurora overcame many of the issues that had been a part of her past. She stayed involved with Goodwill through high school and joined Goodwill’s OneLife Program which provides real-life preparation and career planning. Aurora found a sense of community with others in OneLife. She now stands tall, walks confidently and speaks with the strength that is a part of the way she lives her life. 

A Goodwill staff member commented that Aurora “has great potential to sparkle for many years to come."

As she said “I just think that Goodwill is a great opportunity to find the people that you need to get you on the right path”.

Story made possible by Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina