Before I came to Goodwill®, I spent some time in the military with the 82nd Airborne Division and stayed there for seven years. I transferred with the 172nd Brigade in Alaska and upon my expiration of term of service (ETS) came back into civilian life, and life was pretty good for a while.
I fell into an addiction of alcohol, and from there it spiraled down. I couldn’t see any way out. I lost a hold on life. The life that I had, I didn’t care about anything and didn’t want anything.
Finally, I got with Goodwill Industries of Lower South Carolina and, after working with them, my life had changed for the positive. I took several programs at Goodwill, including key punch and a maintenance program, which I completed. After completing it, I must have done very well, because I got a job there.
I take care of the Goodwill corporate building there in Charleston, SC, and every day it’s been just enjoyable coming to work with the people who are at that building. It just seems to be getting brighter and brighter. Before, there was no light at the end of the tunnel, but after I started at Goodwill, I started to see the light.
It’s been a positive move. I used to ride the bus every day, but now I’ve obtained personal transportation. I was able to buy a car a got a little bit more independent than waiting for a ride or catching a bus. I am about to move into my own apartment and I think that’s a positive move. It gives me a lot of inspiration to say that I’ve done this.
I feel good about myself now. While I didn’t feel good about myself before, I do feel good now. I have a sense of purpose. Once it was all about me, but now it’s seems as though it’s about other people now. I try to give back what I’ve received, and it makes me feel good.
Hear more stories from people like Bernard. »
Learn how Goodwill helps veterans and military families succeed in the workplace. »
