Congratulations to Volodomyr, Goodwill NCW’s Edgar J. Helms 2025 Graduate of the Year!

Volodymyr’s story is one of courage, perseverance, and the transformative power of community support. Born in Lugansk, Ukraine, Volodymyr built a career after earning his master’s degree in Economic Cybernetics from the Ukrainian National University. In 2013 he was working in law enforcement investigating economic crimes when political upheaval during Ukraine’s revolution changed everything. Volodymyr lost his job and was forced to relocate multiple times in search of safety and stability for his growing family.
Refusing to give up, Volodymyr enrolled in an IT school and began rebuilding his life in Kyiv. But when Russia invaded Ukraine, Volodymyr, his wife, and their six-year-old son were again forced to flee, leaving behind everything familiar. After a journey across Ukraine, they reached Romania where they later learned of a U.S. sponsorship program that brought them to Appleton, Wisconsin.

Despite his background and experience, Volodymyr faced new challenges in the United States. Language barriers, trauma, and cultural adjustments made finding stable employment difficult. That’s when he connected with Career EXCELerate, a program of Goodwill NCW in partnership with Rawhide Youth Services and Fox Valley Technical College. Through this program, Volodymyr received the chance to earn his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) free of charge.

While completing his training, Volodymyr faced the heartbreaking news that his father had passed away in Ukraine. Though grief-stricken and unable to return home, he showed unwavering dedication and never missed a single class. With continuous guidance and encouragement from Goodwill’s Career EXCELerate team, Volodymyr was able to overcome his barriers. He completed the program and quickly secured employment as a truck driver for a soda distributor, earning $26 an hour.
Volodymyr’s journey shows the strength of perseverance and the difference that supportive programs can make. Despite hardship, loss, and starting over in a new country, he stayed focused on building a better future for his family. Today, Volodymyr and his family have a home of their own, financial independence, and renewed hope for the future. Goodwill NCW is proud to recognize him and celebrate all he has accomplished.