Stephanie separated from her husband and had a hard time making ends meet and supporting her daughters. Goodwill's Beyond Jobs program for single mothers helped connect her to training and employment opportunities, and taught her how to budget. She now has a full-time job and a house for her two girls. She says, "It feels good to know all my hard work has paid off."
Category: My Story
My Story: Devin Williams
Devin was incarcerated and had a history of substance abuse when he first learned about Goodwill. With support from Goodwill staff, Devin accessed internship and work opportunities, and graduated from community college. He now has a full-time job and is looking forward to pursuing his bachelor's degree.
My Story – Tabitha Nobles
Tabitha had split up with her husband and was living in a homeless shelter when she first heard about Goodwill. Staff helped her sharpen her job search and interview skills, and connected her with a position at a local hospital. Since getting hired, she has reunited with her husband and says her family is doing great.
My Story: Dalton Henretta
Dalton, who has Asperger's and bipolar disorder, had trouble in school and wasn't sure he'd be able to succeed in a job. With support from Goodwill, he now works full time in their e-books department and says he's learned "you have to give respect to get respect."
My Story: Jennifer Mayfield
Jennifer has been a Goodwill employee for 14 years, hanging clothes that get sent out on Goodwill sales floors. With her co-workers' support, she has increased the number of pieces she can produce and is a smiling and cheerful colleague.
My Story – Crystal Guidry
Following a stroke as a baby, Crystal experienced challenges with motor control and motor skills. She intended to pursue a career in the movies; however, she faced a hard dose of reality after moving to California and eventually ended up back in Texas. Hear Crystal's story of how she linked up with Goodwill and is now giving back to her community.
My Story: Carolyn Wright
When Carolyn found out she was going to be losing her job of 13 years, she knew she needed to update her skills in order to find new work. She connected with Goodwill's medical office training program, which also allowed her to update her Microsoft skills. After being placed through a temp agency, she was eventually hired on full time to work for the Huntington Fire Department.
My Story: Vander Cherry
Vander saw his opportunities slowly fading away from him as a senior in high school. His teachers connected him with Goodwill's Project Search, which taught him the skills he needed to interview and land an internship. His last internship led to permanent employment. He credits Goodwill for helping him achieve things he once thought were impossible.
My Story: Jorge Nieves
Jorge was struggling in school and having a hard time at home when a Goodwill teacher recommended he join a mentorship program. Goodwill paired him with Nate who, like Jorge has interests in film and music. In addition to sharing hobbies, Nate helps Jorge stay on track in school. Jorge says, "My involvement with Nate and Goodwill has made me a better person."
My Story: Luis Miguel Soto
Before coming to Goodwill, Luis had a hard time finding a job with his disability and felt useless. He was referred to Goodwill and, after a year and a half, was placed in stable employment where he gets to help other people. He now feels his life has a purpose.
My Story: Francis Edwards
Francis struggled to maintain a job due to long-term mental health challenges. Goodwill helped him acclimate to working in an office, providing strategies and outlets for him to manage stress. He now works full-time with Goodwill and feels his mental health will stay strong as long as he is working.
My Story: Nikkinta Murphy
When Nikkinta was released from prison, she needed a job but didn't know where to turn. Project Re-entry, an initiative between Goodwill and other organizations, taught her how to look for a job, fill out an application and interview. After finding a job, Nikkinta now says "Never give up on yourself, no matter what happens."
