Anya Wells, a resilient Milwaukee native, has overcome tremendous personal hardships throughout her life. As a teen mother to three children, she faced unimaginable loss when her infant daughter passed away from SIDS. Despite this tragedy, she continued to care selflessly for her family—raising her children while also looking after her ailing mother, an estranged father rescued from poor nursing home conditions, and a cousin with a brain injury. After the deaths of her parents, Anya sought a fresh start and moved to Houston with her youngest daughter, Heavenly, determined to rebuild their lives.
In Houston, a job interview with Metro unexpectedly connected Anya with Goodwill. At the River Oaks Career Center, she quickly impressed her case manager and enrolled in training programs. Her dedication led to a custodial position with Jesse Jones and Ramon Solabi, a role that proved to be an ideal match. When her car broke down, Goodwill stepped in to provide transportation support, further solidifying their life-changing impact. After years of giving so much to others, Anya finally found a community that supports her—and she remains deeply grateful for the opportunity and encouragement she’s received through Goodwill.
