To celebrate the launch of Goodwill’s updated New Lives campaign, Goodwill Industries International (GII) held a live streamed event on July 10, 2024, hosted by American Idol winner, multi-platinum recording artist and actress Jordin Sparks featuring the inspiring stories of three people whose lives were changed by their local Goodwill organizations.
Jordin Sparks and GII CEO Steve Preston kicked off the event by discussing the importance of the New Lives campaign.
“New Lives is, I think, a beautiful depiction of our work because these pictures of people are all participants who have been supported by Goodwill; they tell a little about their journey, and then you see a donation,” Steve remarked. “And it brings it sort of full circle to show that that donation is what provided the support for that person to find a new job and, in many cases, a new life.”
Then, Sparks introduced the three storytellers of the day: Antonio Hall, Anthony Martinez, and Daniel Archetti.
Finding Joy and Purpose in Work
Antonio Hall struggled to find a job that met his needs and brought him happiness. Thanks to his work with Goodwill of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey, Antonio secured an internship with a CVS in New York City’s Financial District. From there, things only got better, as he was offered a permanent position with CVS in Manhattan.
“When I first started [with Goodwill], I was nervous to see if I would get a job. Then, after a year or so, I got the job,” he shared.
Antonio was promoted in December of 2022 to the self-checkout section. He proudly and gratefully shared that he has worked for CVS for several years now and he continues to receive very positive reviews from return customers.
The Courage to Start Over
Following her conversation with Antonio, Sparks went on to talk to Anthony Martinez.
As a justice-impacted adult, Anthony shared that he was concerned about what his life would be like when he was released from prison. He credited the manager at Goodwill Colorado, who hired him and believed in him, with changing his life and continued to invest in him. Anthony went on to share that today his daughter continues to inspire him to evolve.
“Not only was there a time where I didn’t think I would be successful, there was a time where I thought I was a total loser. To now be able to provide for my daughter, for my family, is huge because I didn’t think I’d be able to do it for myself,” Anthony noted. “Working every day has allowed me to do for my family something I never thought I would be able to do.”
Last month, he celebrated his 10-year anniversary of employment at his Goodwill Colorado in addition to his 10-year anniversary of being released from incarceration.
Fulfilling a Dream
Sparks wrapped the conversation up by speaking with Daniel Archetti, a former Uber and taxi driver who struggled to find steady work after being hospitalized until he found his way to his local Goodwill organization and their career navigation team.
Daniel shared that the first job that Goodwill helped him to secure was at a local Baptist Church, giving him the ability to earn more than he had been before while also staying busy doing something he enjoyed.
“When I was first starting to look for a job, to me, it was getting worse and worse,” Daniel shared. He went on to say that Goodwill “helped me break that chain. They’re there for the stumbling blocks when you’re too scared to do it yourself.”
Just about five months later, Goodwill helped Daniel to secure a new role. Today, he says he’s happily employed and feels a close sense of community at his place of work that helps to keep him motivated.
Following her conversations with the storytellers, Sparks sang two of her most popular songs: “One Step at a Time” and “No Air.” The event closed with an exciting announcement that several items donated by various celebrities, including actor Jason Sudeikis, Today Show host Hoda Kotb, writer Fran Liebowitz and, of course, Jordin Sparks, will be on sale later this month at ShopGoodwill.com.
“We have two hands: one to help ourselves and one to help others. And I believe that Goodwill really does that,” Sparks shared while reflecting on the Goodwill mission.
You can watch the recording of the live stream on YouTube.
