15 years ago, Leon Collins was living a very different life. Leon lived and worked in Wilmington, Delaware as a union laborer. A serious back injury put him on disability. In 2016, Leon moved to Arizona to be closer to his family. A few years ago, he began physical therapy to rehabilitate his back.

“I was in bad shape, my pain was at its worst, but through physical therapy, I’ve learned that stretching is the key,” said Leon. “The experience has taught me to keep challenging myself to do better.”

Stretching has not only significantly improved Leon’s back, he now reaps the benefits of stretching his mind.

“Leon came into the Central Career Center in 2021 for about three months,” said Career Coach Shalinda Henry. “He seemed stressed, overwhelmed, and even impatient.”

A couple of years later, Leon started applying what he had learned in physical therapy. “I thought of my mother, Irene Collins, who taught me to ‘keep doing what you can.’ She was so full of energy, working two jobs and volunteering as a foster grandparent and at the senior center until she passed away at the age of 92. She always said to cherish what you are able to do. I remind myself of her as I try to do better.”

“In 2023, Leon visited the Papago Career Center with a different mindset,” said Shalinda. “Although he seemed to still face these emotional barriers, he was determined and eager to learn and upskill himself. He worked with our career coaches multiple times a week to receive tutoring and coaching. Leon was so inspired to continue growing his computer skills that he purchased his own desk and computer to use at home.” Leon was also encouraged by his mentor and friend, Kaleem.

In December of 2023, Leon proudly received his NorthStar certificate. He said, “This is only the beginning.” The Northstar Digital Literacy Certificate is made up of 11 assessments testing digital literacy or ability to use computers. This certification is obtained by attending the 3-day Basic Computer Classes that are offered at our career centers and virtually through Goodwill’s My Career Advisor website.

Leon still spends four to five days a week at the Papago Career Center to focus on his digital literary skills. He hopes to land a job working from home utilizing his solid computer skills.

“Goodwill gets you started,” said Leon, “being here at the Career Center has helped me build my confidence and it’s nice to know that Goodwill is helping people to help themselves.”

If you would like to connect to our career services, click here or call 602-535-4444.