Nikkinta knew she was in for a journey as she left incarceration and started to look for work -- she just wasn't sure where to start. After participating in a Goodwill job readiness program, she obtained a machine operator job and has been steadily working her way up the career ladder since. "You should never judge what you’ve done in the past. The first step is to forgive yourself — because if you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will," she says.
Category: My Story
My Story: Liera Williams
Liera, a single mother of three, found herself struggling to find a job and support her family -- at times staying with friends and family when her housing situation became unstable. Through the Seattle Goodwill's Green Corps program, she is building skills that will help her advance her career and provide for her family. "If you're a single mom that's looking for work, don't listen to people that tell you can't do it. I can be your motivation," she says.
My Story: Vincent Barnes
Vincent, a sixth generation military service member, faced unemployment and homelessness after transitioning into civilian employment. He got a new start after connecting with Goodwill Industries of Houston. He says, "This program is a blessing, it really is. It has helped so many different people out in so many different situations. It’s a life‑changing experience. You get to start all over. It’s hard to imagine that anyone would have such a big heart or that a program out here in the United States would exist.
My Story – Rebecca Gutierrez
After transitioning out of the military, Rebecca tried to get an administrative job using the same skills she honed while in service, but encountered employers who were reluctant to hire someone without a degree. She connected with Goodwill in Orange County, where she found employment and regained her sense of self-sufficiency. "Goodwill provided me not only financial stability, but also training and education. I'm learning new skills every day and I’m honestly really happy to be there," she says.
My Story – Shay Felder
Prior to receiving Goodwill services, Shay led a hectic life as the sole provider for her children. Now that she has a new career in the construction industry, she says her family looks up to her as a role model and mentor.
My Story: Monique Armstrong
Through Goodwill's microenterprise program, Monique found the encouragement and training she needed to launch her own cookie company, MLA Gourmet.
My Story: Katlyn Napier
Katlyn expected to find a job right out of high school, but found employers were looking for people with more experience. After connecting with Goodwill, she gained the training and support she needed to land a job and enroll in college.
My Story: Pamela Johnson
Pamela, a lifelong track-and-field athlete, joined the Army's World Class Athlete Program after missing the Olympic team by two spots. Following her time in the military, she faced more than a year of unemployment and struggled to find a match between her military skills and civilian positions. After connecting with Goodwill, she was hired as an employment specialist and later promoted to program manager, where she now helps other veterans get back on their feet.
My Story: Donald and Jennifer McGrath
Diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, OCD and a mild intellectual disability, Jennifer McGrath had limited job skills when she was referred to Goodwill. Her father, Donald, shares how she blossomed in the program and. "To see my daughter working at Goodwill has been like a miracle. I didn't expect that she would be able to come so far, so fast."
My Story: Diane Joiner
After her son was murdered, Diane turned to drugs and alcohol to cope. She was arrested for drug possession in 2010 and went to jail, where she decided it was time to turn her life around. Through her connections, she connected with Goodwill. "They gave me a clean slate, they didn't look at my background and they didn't judge me," Diane says.
My Story: Rosa Barbarito
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Rosa was entrusted with top secret information and served her country for three years. After becoming pregnant, she left the military and embarked on a retail career. She found her way to Goodwill, where she's worked for the last four years. "Seeing people's lives change is what makes me happy," she says.
My Story: Hong Nguyen
As a young adult, Hong stayed at home a lot and felt she was lacking direction in life. After connecting with Goodwill in Seattle, she became involved in the Green Corps Program where she learned how to maintain trails and took classes in workplace and life readiness. Today she feels she has a purpose and is headed to a career where she can support her family.
