Lincoln Literacy and Goodwill create healthcare career paths

by Brittany Wren, Stingray Writing

Lincoln Literacy partners with Goodwill Industries Serving Southeast Nebraska to empower the newest neighbors with the language and job skills to thrive in the workforce. This partnership focuses on helping individuals move from entry-level jobs into meaningful careers by providing foundational literacy for high-demand fields in Lincoln.

One of the most inspiring examples of this journey is Thuzar. Originally a graduate mechanical engineer in Burma, Thuzar arrived in Lincoln with a deep desire to give back to the healthcare community after witnessing the compassionate care her father received during his battle with cancer.

She began her journey in Lincoln Literacy’s English classes before enrolling in the CNA Prep program. Driven by a core belief that “a growth mindset can lead individuals to achieve their goals,” Thuzar admitted that changing careers and learning a new language was a significant challenge, but one she was determined to meet.

“The way we think about success and happiness forms part of our identity,” Thuzar wrote in a recent essay. “I think about my success and happiness as ‘I am doing what I want’ and earning money from the work I choose, even though it was difficult for me.”

Through the program, Thuzar worked closely with career navigators to polish her resume and practice interviewing. Her hard work paid off when she was hired as a CNA at Bryan Health. For Thuzar, the true “success” was not just the professional transition; it was the ability to connect deeply and personally with those in her care.

In her workplace, Thuzar often relies on her own voice rather than an interpreter robot to build trust with her patients. She shared a story about an 89-year-old patient who constantly sings “Hello, Sunshine!” to the staff. Before her English classes, such a connection might have been a struggle; now, Thuzar sings right back.

Reflecting on her progress, Thuzar says, “I can speak better than before. Now, I know the patients… I am enjoying myself in my workforce. It becomes happiness in my life.”

Thuzar has not stopped growing. She recently passed her State License Test for the Medication Aide program and was accepted into nursing school at Southeast Community College to become an RN. Today, she returns to Lincoln Literacy as a peer mentor, guiding other students who are beginning their own paths toward healthcare careers.

Thanks to the funding from Goodwill’s thrift stores, Lincoln Literacy can continue offering English and literacy courses for students like Thuzar. Support Goodwill’s community partners by shopping or donating at a location near you, and learn more about Lincoln Literacy at www.lincolnliteracy.org.

Why community partners? Because of donors and customers, Goodwill is able to provide services to thousands of people who face barriers to employment. Goodwill recognizes that services provided by peer agencies prepare people served by Goodwill to better succeed in Goodwill’s employment programs. With this understanding, Goodwill provides funding to colleague agencies to help with their programs that align with Goodwill’s mission of “willing workers employed and community resources maximized.”