Cheryl Goodson is an education advisor at C-TEC Youth Services, a partnership between Clackamas Education Service District, Clackamas Workforce Partnership and several other community organizations that supports youth ages 14 to 24 who are out of school and looking to reconnect with education, job training or the workforce. Cheryl advises nearly 70 youth, each with a unique story, needs and goals.
Cheryl describes her role as “seeing, serving and supporting” young people in our community who face a wide range of challenging circumstances. On any given day, her work might involve helping a student enroll in a GED program, finding funding to cover bus fare to work, or simply being a steady, supportive presence in a young person’s life.
Some days bring celebration, as Cheryl supports young people in reaching life-changing milestones. She supported one young person through the process of earning a GED, obtaining an EMT license and landing a job. When a student who had earned a 4.0 GPA in his first term of a welding program ran into legal trouble and missed much of his second term, Cheryl worked with his professor to create a plan that allowed him to complete his coursework and get back on track for the spring term.
These victories often come in many forms, and Cheryl takes pride in meeting students where they are and helping them move forward.
Reflecting on another student’s journey, Cheryl shared, “He wanted to follow in his late father’s footsteps and enlist in the Air Force, but he needed swim lessons to qualify. We were able to find funding to cover the cost of the lessons, helping him get one step closer to reaching his goal.”
Other days are harder. Cheryl has stepped in to help meet basic needs, like buying toilet paper for a young woman who has been struggling after surviving domestic violence. Recently, she was the first person another youth called for support when he was released from jail.
Whether it’s helping a student connect with mental health services, navigate a FAFSA application, or explore job training programs, Cheryl shows up with compassion, resourcefulness and determination.
Cheryl grounds her work in a quote from Fred Rogers: “Look for the helpers.”
“Because of the generosity of Clackamas ESD,” Cheryl says, “I’m able to be a helper. It’s an absolute privilege to do this work.”
