When Nadia Patterson moved from New York to North Carolina with her children, she had limited job prospects. Goodwill Industries of the Southern PIedmont (Charlotte, NC) helped her get back on track by earning her GED, pursuing secondary education and landing a job in her dream field as a pharmacy technician.
Category: My Story
My Story: Shawnteal Turner
I was the one hanging out with the gang members on the street corners doing whatever, not really accomplishing anything with my life, you know… not even paying attention to what I was really doing. A friend of mine kicked me in the butt and was like, “You need to get a job, and Goodwill is having a job fair so come on, let’s go.” I went to a job fair at Goodwill Seattle (WA), and then I met Allison Gerttula. She told me about Goodwill’s Youth Green Corps and I was like great, sign me up, and that’s how I got started.
My Story: Kim Rawls
Through Goodwill, I was able to start [working] in the e-commerce department. A month later I became the leader in that department which was about to go from a $1,500 revenue to a $7,000 revenue within one month. By December 2013, we hit our first $10,000.
My Story: Oscar Flores Montes
I was introduced to the Seattle Goodwill Aerospace Program. One day I was just having lunch at my high school and a friend of mine whose name is Oscar as well, he came up to me and asked me if I was interested in aerospace. He knew I was interested in aerospace, so naturally I said yes.
My Story: Lisa Smith
Sixteen years ago, I was a professional vocalist on my way to landing a recording contract. However, my life took a dramatic turn when I was rear-ended by a drunk driver. The near-fatal wreck left me paralyzed from the waist down.
My Story: Sandy Young
After the first proper introduction of what Goodwill does – I was hooked. I had no idea that every item I donated went to create job training and placement. Now, since I am trained to be a Goodwill Ambassador (volunteer), I am able to tell even more people about the amazing ways Goodwill creates a more employable community.
My Story: Mariam Bleuez
After graduating in law, I left Morocco to join my Quebec-born husband in Montreal. Upon arrival, I had difficulty adapting to all the changes because I felt very isolated. Alone at home, I decided to look for work only to be disappointed as doors were closed to me due to my lack of work experience in Quebec. My determination allowed me to land a job in a fast food restaurant, but I was unfulfilled. A colleague spoke to me about Goodwill Renaissance Montreal.
My Story: Sean Walker
In 1993, I was convicted of a horrible crime. It not only destroyed the life, hopes and dreams of the victim, but it destroyed mine and those of my family. For the next 21 years, I prayed that God would release me and give me another chance at life. I prayed that if he did, I would dedicate my remaining years on earth to the service of mankind, the community of human society.
My Story: Jakelia Dooley-Jones
Like many others in my program at Goodwill Industries of Michiana’s (South Bend) Second Chance @ Work Program, I was enrolled because of a felony I committed in 2009. During this point in my life I ran into many financial issues, so I began selling drugs.
My Story: Justin Newbern
Hi, my name is Justin Newbern and I work at ABVI-Goodwill (Rochester) in Geneseo, NY. I work in the wares department and at the donation door and I love my job! I learned how to pull and push items in the store, take out the garbage and do recycling. Running the donation door is my
My Story: Sandra Collins
Hello, my name is Sandra Collins. I’m a new homeowner and the manager of Goodwill of the Olympics & Rainer Region (Tacoma)’s new outlet store in Olympia, WA. My life is fulfilling and very different from just eight years ago.
My Story: Steve Hennessey
Steve Hennessy began with Goodwill Omaha more than 37 years ago. For 35 of those years he has worked in Lincoln, NE as a custodian.
