Maliyah was born with Cerebral Palsy, a disability that significantly affects her motor skills, specifically on the right side of her body.

Before Beacon Group, Maliyah was unemployed, feeling depressed, and wasn’t sure what to do with her life. She was hesitant to pursue employment services at Beacon Group because she feared labels and stigmas.

“At that time, I didn’t really grasp anything, I stuck to myself, and really stuck in my room,” says Maliyah. “I was in a depressed mood, and it got me thinking, maybe I should try Beacon.”

When she decided it was time to give Beacon a try, she found a job in Beacon’s custodial division. She met other people with disabilities, and she learned from their employment experiences. Fellow custodian, Margot, and Job Coaches, Rita and Stella, were pivotal in her journey – helping her feel comfortable in her own skin and providing support and encouragement to her along every step of the way. They helped her gain the confidence she needed to recognize that she wanted more for herself and her career and that she had the ability to attain her goals.  During this time, she discovered her passion for helping children.  Although Maliyah explored job opportunities outside of Beacon Group, she decided that Beacon was the place she wanted to work as she continued on her career path.

She was promoted at Beacon Group in 2024, earning an even better custodial position at a Tucson Department of Economic Security office—an office that supports children and families. At this time she also enrolled in college with a renewed sense of responsibility and maturity.

Doubling down on her career goals, Maliyah is now enrolled in Pima Community College pursuing a degree in early childhood education with plans to transfer to the University of Arizona in the future.

“In this field I can work with kids and their families, helping them with stability and having a better, more successful life,” says Maliyah.

For now, Maliyah enjoys her job as a custodian where she can build experience and earn an income while she attends college.

Join us in celebrating Maliyah’s pursuit of her dream career. #GivingTuesday donations will help people like Maliyah achieve success at Beacon Group.

Donate here.