Tribune Photo/Joey Hedges

December 12, 2020

A recent Full Employment Council client received her keys to success in more ways than one.

After successfully completing training in in-demand careers through a scholarship from the Full Employment Council, Monica Goodyear was gifted a car through the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides program. The car was donated by Farmers Insurance, and refurbished by Bob Sight Ford. Goodyear was identified as a worthy recipient for this program by the Full Employment Council of Kansas City.

“This is the best of Kansas City,” said FEC CEO Clyde McQueen. “These partnerships we have really let us make a difference in the lives of these people who want to work and become successful heads of their households.”

Goodyear, a single mother to four children, utilized the Full Employment Council Independence location. Goodyear used her scholarship from the FEC to pursue her career goals in Information Technology training. She graduated from SnapIT Solutions Training Institute, with a certification in Foundations of Quality Assurance.

“I learned more than just technology,” Goodyear said. “I learned a lot of life skills, too. It’s been life changing.”

She’s excited to start a new career, but lives in an area with limited access to public transportation. Having a car allows Goodyear to conduct a job search and accept a job within her field, as well as taking her children to appointments and to school.

“There was a lot of people who really stepped up and helped with this one,” said Jared Nicholson, manager of the body shop that oversaw the work done to refurbish the car. “It’s great to be on this side of it.” Something as simple as a car, Nicholson said, can really change the course of someone’s life.

In addition to the car, Goodyear received a gift card in the amount of $250 from the Black Professionals of Olathe, so she could “put some junk in her trunk.” Bob Sight Ford also donated a gift card, assuring that Goodyear and her children will have a merry Christmas.

Goodyear received her new car, a 2015 Ford Taurus SE, on December 9, at Bob Sight Ford in Lee’s Summit on December 9.

With keys to her new career through training funded by the Full Employment Council / Eastern Jackson County Workforce Development Board, and keys to new cars gifted through the Recycled Rides program, Goodyear is now on the road to success.

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