Born in Sierra Leone just before the Civil War, Idrissa Fofanah was separated from his mother at age two when she sought refuge in the U.S. Twelve years later, he reunited with her but faced an unfamiliar culture, a language barrier, and a relationship to rebuild.

Gaining New Skills

Determined to succeed, Idrissa enrolled in Evergreen Goodwill’s free Microsoft Word and Google Docs classes in May 2024. These digital skills laid the foundation for his professional journey.

Across Washington, thousands face employment barriers like limited English proficiency or lack of a high school diploma. Over 85,000 English Language Learners aged 18-66 remain unemployed or earn below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Additionally, 442,000 adults lack a high school diploma, limiting job prospects. Evergreen Goodwill bridges this gap with free education, job training, and support services.

Giving Back

Idrissa’s drive to succeed extended beyond his own goals—he wanted to uplift others facing similar struggles. Understanding the challenges new immigrants encounter firsthand, he was inspired to give back. In August 2024, he began volunteering in Evergreen Goodwill’s ESOL computer basics class. His personal experience allowed him to connect with students on a deeper level, offering not just technical guidance but encouragement and motivation. Seeing their progress fueled his passion for mentorship, solidifying his role as a leader within the community.

“As both a volunteer and a student, Idrissa is a wonderful asset to the Evergreen Goodwill community and a testament to the power of helping others,” says Scott Rice, Director of Mission Operations.

Overcoming Barriers

Evergreen Goodwill’s wraparound services address obstacles beyond education. From transportation assistance to digital literacy and job placement services, we provide the resources students need to succeed. By offering holistic support, Goodwill helps individuals secure living-wage jobs, strengthening families and communities.

A Brighter Future

Idrissa’s story highlights the power of education and community support. From overcoming language barriers to mastering digital skills and mentoring others, he embodies resilience and empowerment. His journey proves that with the right opportunities, individuals can build a brighter future.

At Evergreen Goodwill, we believe Jobs Change Lives—and Idrissa’s success is proof of that vision in action.