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Meet Dennis
Because of a childhood accident that left him mentally and physically challenged, Dennis Williams struggled to make his own way. Before he turned to a United Way-funded job training program at Goodwill, he worked low paying jobs with constantly changing schedules. Now he enjoys steady work and provides for himself. Plus he brightens the day for the people dropping off donations at Goodwill—wearing a different hat and a bright smile every day. |
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Meet Roderick
As the youngest son of a single mother living in Chattanooga’s Harriet Tubman homes, Roderick Adams faced a life filled with struggles. But when he stepped into the Boys and Girls Club, he found more than fun and recreation. He also found educational programs that sparked a desire to learn. As a teenager, he participated in the Boys & Girls College Bound Program. Upon graduating from high school, his dream was to attend Morehouse College in Atlanta. After hard work and assistance from the Boys & Girls Club, Roderick’s dream became a reality. He has now graduated from Morehouse and has even received his Masters Degree from Vanderbilt University. Roderick was offered a job teaching at a prestigious private school, but graciously declined and returned to Chattanooga to teach at Howard Middle School where he says he can be more influential to young teens coming from circumstances similar to his own. Generous gifts like yours, make it possible for at-risk youth like young Roderick to become successful citizens who make our community stronger. |
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Meet Al
Al Scarbroughhad a lot going for him, being a young, energetic and successful business owner. His outlook changed completely, however, after a rare eye disease struck him totally blind. He lost his business, and ultimately, his will to live.
“I thought I was a loser and a nobody. I was so weak and wanted to die. I had no ability, only a disability,” says Al.
Al’s life changed again thanks to the Assistive Technology Program at Signal Centers, a program funded by United Way contributions. The program provided Al with assistance and equipment to help him become self-sufficient. He found his passion for living and for business once again, and now operates a successful Internet retail venture, selling sunglasses!
Through his struggle, Al says the biggest lesson he has learned is humility. "In the event I should ever lose again, that would be o.k. because to lose, sometimes you have to give or have something taken. I am now a believer. I believe that from what I have lost, I will get more in return than I ever had.”
Al is once again a success, one of the thousands of people helped each year thanks to your United Way donations. His life is better, his future is brighter, and that’s what matters.
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