In honor of Pride Month, we’re proud to share the inspiring story of Auggie, a resilient young adult who found empowerment, acceptance and opportunity through Goodwill of Southern Arizona (Tucson).
When Auggie walked into a Goodwill® retail store, he wasn’t expecting to find a flyer that would change his life. The flyer was for the Young Adult Reentry Program — a program designed to support individuals like him who were seeking a fresh start and a fair chance at employment.
Auggie had faced challenges in the job market, particularly around finding a workplace where he could be his authentic self without fear of discrimination based on his gender identity. The Young Adult Reentry Program offered exactly what he needed: one-on-one case management, career search assistance, interview coaching, résumé updates, work placement and even help with transportation.
With the program’s support, Auggie secured full-time employment at a retail store. But he didn’t stop there. Through hard work and dedication, he quickly became a valued team member. He’s now trusted to run the cash register during peak hours — a testament to his reliability and growing leadership.
More importantly, Auggie has found a workplace where he feels accepted and respected. “Goodwill promotes working in an inclusive and diverse environment full of different backgrounds and identities,” he says. “It has made me realize patience and communication are key to success within this career.”
Today, Auggie is thriving. With a steady income and benefits, he no longer worries about paying the bills. He’s even begun planning for the future, including thinking about savings and retirement, something that once felt out of reach.
Auggie’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when people are given the tools and support they need to succeed. Thanks to his hard work and a little support from Goodwill of Southern Arizona, he’s not just building a career, he’s building a life filled with purpose, pride and possibility.
We’re proud that Auggie paved a new path for himself with support from Goodwill and proud to seeing the continued success of those in the LGBTQ+ community. If you or someone you know could use job and career support, please connect with your local Goodwill career center.
