Dora’s Inspiring Journey: From Cuba to Citizenship at Goodwill
Dora’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of community support. Born and raised in Cuba, she experienced firsthand the challenges of poverty. “We often didn’t have enough money to buy bread,” Dora recalls, her voice tinged with the pain of those early days. Despite these hardships, Dora excelled in school and pursued her dreams, ultimately becoming an engineer. However, the realities of life in Cuba meant that her $40 monthly salary was barely enough to survive.
In a twist of fate, Dora’s mother-in-law, a U.S. citizen, petitioned for her and her husband to immigrate to America. They arrived in Miami on November 18, 2016, filled with hope but also uncertainty. Dora spoke no English, which posed a significant barrier to finding stable employment. Nevertheless, she started working for a company that sent packages to the Dominican Republic, taking her first steps in a new country.
Dora’s journey took a new turn when she visited her aunts in Florida. Enchanted by the beautiful beaches and serene environment, she and her husband decided to make Florida their new home. While her husband found work quickly, Dora faced a challenging job search for three months. Just when she was beginning to lose hope, she discovered a Goodwill store nearby.
Walking into Goodwill, Dora felt an instant connection. One of the Assistant Team Leaders spoke Spanish, making it easier for her to communicate. This connection proved invaluable as the team member advocated for her with the Team Leader Coach, who was willing to hire her. “Goodwill has been very good to me! They have helped me so much!” Dora expresses with heartfelt gratitude.
Dora began her role as a Sorter/Hanger on January 31, 2022, embracing the hard work that came with it. She was eager to learn and improve her English, which was essential for her growth in the workplace and her journey toward citizenship. Through Goodwill’s support, she was paired with a Good Partner Coach who enrolled her in company-offered English classes. Dora dedicated herself to learning, participating actively in class, and studying on her own.
Dora’s ultimate goal since arriving in the United States was to become a citizen. She meticulously prepared for her citizenship application, gathering the necessary documentation and studying for the interview. On December 12, 2024, she faced the final hurdle—the oral test. She had passed! Dora’s years of hard work and dedication had finally paid off; she was now a proud citizen of the United States.
With her new status, Dora now has the security and stability she dreamed of. Her job at Goodwill not only provides her with a means to support herself, but it has also enabled her to assist her family back in Cuba. She sends money to her mother, who still lives in Cuba, and helps her youngest son.
Now, Dora is looking forward to a new chapter in her life. She plans to visit Sweden to meet her granddaughter, who is just one and a half years old, and spend time with her eldest son and daughter-in-law. Dora’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, community support, and the hope that comes with new beginnings.
As we celebrate Dora’s achievements, we are reminded of our mission at Goodwill: to help individuals and families achieve their goals through the Power of Work. Dora’s inspiring journey is a shining example of what can be accomplished with determination and the right support system.
Join us in celebrating the incredible stories like Dora’s that remind us of the impact we can have in our communities. Together, we can empower more individuals to realize their dreams and build a better future.
