For Lauren Harmstein, every day is a gift. The single mother of two young children has survived job loss, homelessness, and divorce. This Christmas, she’s living in a stable home and working at a job she loves -- and she credits Goodwill for saving her and her family.

 It was just three years ago that things were falling apart for Harmstein. She was pregnant and staying at home to care for her young son when her husband lost his job. With no income, they fell behind on their bills and turned to the Goodwill Inn when all other doors were closed to them.

As the only shelter in the region that allows a family to stay together, the Inn kept the family close and provided hope. Harmstein’s daughter Loralei was born, and the Inn’s structured environment eased the transition for her son.

Aided by the Goodwill's case managers, Harmstein’s husband found a new job and the family found new, affordable housing. But just when things were looking up, Harmstein was dealt another blow when her husband left.

“When my husband left I found my way to Michigan Works,” says Harmstein, who also learned about Goodwill’s Hospitality Job Training Program. It’s a paid training experience where she eventually learned about food safety and the food service industry.
She graduated with a ServeSafe Certification and landed a job with Press On Juice, where she’s part of the crew producing fresh-squeezed juice blends.

“I’ve been there since October. Kris [Press On Juice owner Kris Rockwood] was looking for someone that had that certification.”
Rockwood says Harmstein is an inspiration to her. “She's unbelievable. Lauren was very open to learning and talking with me about the way the day-to-day business is run,” says Rockwood. “Using her training and experience, she was able to recommend changes that helped improve my business."

Harmstein says with support from Goodwill, she was able to pay off the debt attached to her divorce in just five months.

“My stepping stone was Goodwill. Working with the Goodwill Inn team helped me realize that I do have value. I just needed a little encouragement. I know I’m heading on the right path.”

Daughter Loralei is now a lively three-year-old, and next year begins school. That’s when Harmstein is looking to perhaps go back to school herself; she’s considering attending NMC this fall or next.

“My passion is healthy eating, teaching people how to eat healthy on a low budget,” she said. “To be healthy in mind, body and spirit starts with (good food).”

Harmstein is thinking positively these days, which she admits hasn’t always been the case. “I’m very optimistic. I was really down for many years. It took a while to figure out what I wanted to do.

“I thought very little of myself. Now I know I can grow and do better. Goodwill helped me set goals. It helped me get a home. It works.”