I was filling out five or six job applications every day. I tried to do fast food, but fast food wasn’t even calling me back! My social worker referred me to Goodwill, where I entered the Transition to Independence and Employment program. Now my job title is sales associate. It meant a lot to me to actually support my daughter now that I am employed. To give her the things she needs, that means more to me than anything in the world.
Category: My Story
My Story: Ashley Cole
After I graduated high school in 2010, I was home for a year with nothing to do. Goodwill® helped me fill out a job application for the daycare center that I’m at now. I want to keep working at this job as long as I can—keeping smiles on the kids’ faces, keeping them learning.
My Story: John Geter
It has been a pretty good situation because I ended up with a job and got to meet a lot of new people and mentoring to other peers at Goodwill®.
My Story—Lupita Flores
Lupita Flores attended Goodwill Industries of Southern Arizona (Tucson)'s Ready to Learn program after being unemployed for two years. Her employer of 13 years laid her off when its office closed. The Goodwill trained her for call center work, and she was pleasantly surprised to find that her customer service background made it a perfect fit.
My Story—Pam Velado
I’m Pam Velado. I was living in Dallas, TX, when I lost my job. I was very discouraged when I couldn’t find another job. I moved back home to Tennessee. I enrolled in a medical assisting school through a vocational rehabilitation program. Although I did well in school and obtained my certification, I did not
My Story—Sean MacGregor
The job center was a great resource for me. Not only just to get this job. Now I’m comfortable knowing that if anything happens with this job, I know immediately where to go and what to do.
My Story – Robbie Green
I have been given a second chance. I’m trying to correct things and I think God put me here for a reason. I love life now. They told me I would never work, but I’ve been at Goodwill Industries of Forth Worth for almost two years. They told me I wouldn’t drive; I have a van in the parking lot. They told me that I wouldn’t live alone; I have been living alone in an apartment. When I first came to Goodwill, I didn’t know anything about computers. With training and patience from the staff at Goodwill, I learned how to work with hard drives and refurbish computers.
My Story – Cristina Pastor
After getting laid off in Florida, Cristina Pastor moved to Buffalo, NY, to be near family. Goodwill Industries of Western New York helped her find a job with regular daytime hours that gives her plenty of time with her five children.
My Story – Joseph Lidge
With assistance from Goodwill Industries of Western New York (Buffalo), Joseph Lidge went from being homeless to launching a career and pursuing a college degree. "Life couldn’t be better. I couldn’t ask … I COULD ask for more, and I will ask for more, as long as I’m willing to put the effort behind it to get it."
My Story – Andy Yeager
Andy Yeager came to Goodwill Industries of Central Iowa (Des Moines) as a high school student looking to gain job experience. He attended job readiness training and gained on-the-job experience that led to his job as a wares processor at the Urbandale, IA, Goodwill store. His hard work paid off, and he earned the agency's Achiever of the Year award.
My Story – Lee Arnold
LEE: "Since working at Goodwill, I’ve purchased a house. This past summer, I put in a garden and grew foods I love to eat. Working at Goodwill has given me back my dignity and respect."
My Story – Montreal Ellis
Before I came to Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana, I was working for a lawn service; when the company changed managers, I was laid off. I worked for a while fixing TVs for cash, but that didn’t last long. My mom took me to see a counselor at Louisiana Rehabilitation Services, and she referred me
