My Goodwill Story – John Bliss

On Veterans Day, we honor the people who have served our country and recognize the experiences, skills and determination veterans bring to their communities. We also recognize that the transition to civilian life can come with challenges, including finding employment, securing stable housing and accessing other essential resources. 

For John, finding the right support helped open the door to a new chapter. 

Finding Support Beyond the Job Search 

When John first came to Goodwill Gulf Coast (Mobile, AL), he was looking for help finding a job. As he worked with career navigator Trinitius, it became clear that employment was only one piece of the puzzle. John also needed stable housing, a hearing aid and additional support. 

Together, they began addressing those needs while helping John prepare to reenter the workforce. 

John completed the Employment Preparation Workshops at Goodwill® and joined the A-RESET program. Before long, he landed a part-time position as a security guard. 

But John wasn’t content to simply get the job. He wanted to succeed in it. 

Going Above and Beyond 

When John learned that he would need computer skills for his new position, Trinitius signed him up for computer training. John, however, was eager to get started. Instead of waiting for the training, he taught himself the skills he needed. 

That initiative paid off. 

John was soon promoted to supervisor and moved into a full-time position. More recently, he earned another promotion to sergeant, along with a raise. 

His progress reflects not only the opportunity he received, but the determination he brought to it. 

Building Stability for the Future 

As John advanced at work, Goodwill Gulf Coast continued helping him address needs outside the workplace. He secured stable housing through Housing First and received a much-needed hearing aid, providing additional support as he built greater stability in his daily life. 

John came to Goodwill looking for help finding a job. What he found was support for the bigger picture and an opportunity to keep moving forward. 

This Veterans Day, John’s story reminds us what can happen when determination meets opportunity. By connecting people to employment, training and resources that address barriers along the way, local Goodwill organizations help individuals like John build stronger, more independent futures. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What does Goodwill do for Veterans? 

Goodwill helps anyone in need, including veterans, build skills, access education, find jobs and advance their careers. Local Goodwill organizations provide services such as interview prep, skilled trades training and connections to local employers, as well as access to other support that can help people succeed at work and in life. Goodwill stores sell donated goods to help fund these programs and services in local communities. 

How does Goodwill help people find jobs? 

Goodwill helps job seekers prepare for, find and advance in employment through career and support services. Depending on the local Goodwill organization, services can include career assessments, skills training in fields like IT, clean tech, healthcare and more, job placement, industry-recognized credentials, English-language training, financial wellness training and connections to transportation and childcare. Programs vary by community so local Goodwill organizations can respond to local job seekers and employers.  

How do Goodwill donations and stores support its mission? 

Local Goodwill organizations sell donated goods in stores and online to help fund career services and other community programs. This model gives donated items a longer useful life while generating resources that support career navigation, skills training and other services for people facing challenges to employment.