My Story: Michelle Banton
January 31, 2011 | By Jenni Baker | 
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Before coming to Goodwill Industries® of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey, my life was totally out of control. As a teenager, I made some really bad choices that led me to drug and alcohol addiction, and I became a single mother at the age of 15. I had to drop out of high school during my junior year to care for my baby, and depended on public assistance to live.
By the age of 23, I was a mother of three. I became homeless, and then had to leave my three children in my mother’s care when I went to prison. At that point in my life, I had very low self-esteem and felt worthless.
During my second and last time in prison, I began to lead a more productive life. I worked on my GED and managed to pass with really high scores. When I was released from prison in 2003, I had a different attitude. I was determined to change my life.
My probation officer referred me to Goodwill® for job training at the Harrison, NJ, facilities. I enrolled in the 25-day vocational rehabilitation evaluation process. It was hard for me at times, and I didn’t think I could make it through it. I wanted to give up, but the staff at Goodwill was very supportive and encouraged me to continue.
Michelle Banton sorts clothing at a Goodwill retail store.
When I completed the evaluation, I went on to the next phase – work adjustment training. In October 2003, I was offered a full-time position as a sorter and hanger at Goodwill. I accepted the job – my first real job – and that’s when my career took off.
I’ve been employed at Goodwill for seven years now, and in that time, I’ve been promoted several times. I started here as a sales operations associate at Goodwill’s Harrison store. In March 2010, seven years after coming to Goodwill, I was sent to manage the Jersey City store and six months later, I went to the Fairfield store as production manager.
Today, I’m a dependable professional. I earn a yearly salary, I own my own apartment and I’m able to pay my own bills. I now feel I live a productive life.
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Dear Michelle,
You should be very proud of yourself. You have worked hard to turn your life a round and you have succeeded. Thank you so much for your continued work at Goodwill. Best wishes for your continuing success.
Thank you so much Susan for your very uplifting comment, yes i am proud of myself, i love working for goodwill , thank you so much once again.
Congratulations, Michelle!!
Keep up the fantastic work, and know that you are such an inspiration to so many working to overcome adversity in their lives. BRAVO!!!!!
YOU GO GIRL!
Im very proud of you michelle, it’s great to see another successful african-american woman taking care of business.
Mom im so proud of the woman you are today.It took you along time to become the strong woman you are today.What did I tell you I told you I will never give up to you..wow with tears in my eyes now you are my hero I look up to you.From rags to riches never forget ur daugter luvs you and keep rising to the top.
You story is very inspiring. May God Bless you and keep you and always comfort you. This bring me to tears.
Cookie Jones
Valdosta Ga
Wow, I had no idea Goodwill had this kind of stuff going on!!! I feel a lot better about donating and shopping there.
Congratulations Michelle!! You really worked very hard, I can hear it in your letter. And may God richly bless you and your family!
Nancy
Michelle,
Congrats and job well done!!!
I am very proud of you.
Randy
Michelle,
I read your story and was very moved. I work with the women’s jail ministry in Knoxville as well as in a women’s recovery center. I love success stories and I will share your story with the women that I mentor to. Your story is such an inspiration and you’ve proven that there’s always hope.
You keep on doing what ever you can to reach beyond your dreams. I wished that I could hug you and tell you how very proud I am of you. Be blessed and may God continue to enrich your life.
Michelle,
You are an amazing role model for your children and others. I wish you every success in life.
I wish there were more of these programs around. I work with mentally ill with and without substance abuse and as you’d guess, many of these people have criminal backgrounds. However, I will say that it’s amazing how our criminal justice system finds it so easy to label someone a “Sex offender.” I’m not talking about slimeball rapists that everyone thinks of when they hear the term, although even they deserve a chance when safe to do so. These people have many times been unfairly labelled and it’s happening more and more every day. These are people now on SSI, who WOULD work if they could find a job. I’m glad you guys are trying to change that. Thanks for all you guys do.
oh, and one more thing- I agree with another writer- I had NO IDEA before I looked at the website that goodwill did all this. NO IDEA.
Wow, a fantastic story so encouraging. Just shows when you make up your mind you can do it. Keep looking up.
I have been out of prison over 10 years, graduated college and have had spotted jobs with an inability to keep a job. I moved to TX in 2009 @ age 59. I am now 62 and am still able to work. What do I do to get someone to give me a chance. I am a paralegal, do customer service, adminstrative support and write proposals for personal injjury firms. Please contact me. I am prepared to do warehouse work, shipping and receiving or what ever the job that is open is??? Acknowledgement will show receipt of this email. 937-545-0984
If there is a Goodwill open… I have worked with wheelchair bound patients and MRDD. Please tell me how to proceed.