Today, Nathan Tillman is thriving in his role as a Donation Material Handler at Goodwill in Weddington, thanks to Support, Opportunity, Advocacy, and Results – better known as SOAR Vocational Solutions, Inc.
“They wanted to make sure that I get to where I need to be without any hesitations,” Nathan said.
Founded by DiMetria Williams and LaTonya Burgess in January 2025, S.O.A.R. helps individuals with disabilities gain and maintain meaningful employment.
“Oftentimes, people in the disabled community are overlooked when it comes to opportunities, and so we are their voice outside of their parents,” LaTonya emphasized. “That’s where we step in, helping to fill out applications, making sure that they are well versed when it comes to being able to interview, helping them in that interview process to be comfortable and actually training with them on the job so that they are successful when we step away from our job training services with them.”
With over 35 years of combined experience, this dynamic duo is dedicated to empowering individuals like Nathan to gain greater independence through supported employment and job coaching. Their organization also aims to challenge and reduce the stigma surrounding disabilities, promoting a more inclusive and understanding community.
“We’re also in the process of trying to educate employers that disabilities can look like anything, even [some] health conditions,” DiMetria explained. “They may require additional support or reasonable accommodation, but they are capable of working.”
Much like career navigators assigned to coach and guide participants at Goodwill, S.O.A.R. will continue to check in with Nathan, because it’s not just about landing the job – it’s about maintaining employment and providing stability.
“What we consider a successful completion for him would be 90 days on his job,” DiMetria explained. “Just as any job where you are expected to have 90 days with no incidents, it’s the same criteria, but we stick with Nathan doing check-ins with him and the employer up to a year.”
For Nathan, S.O.A.R. became more than just job support – it was a guiding force.
“They were like my biggest supporter ever, and I’m very appreciative of S.O.A.R.,” Nathan shared. “They are very dependable. They’re willing to stand by you and do right by you and never steer you in the wrong direction.”
S.O.A.R. has started with services in Union County but plans to expand. As LaTonya put it:
“We are looking forward to more partnerships with Goodwill stores.”
And Tillman? He’s living proof of Goodwill’s purpose – to help people see possibilities, seize opportunities and prosper.
“It feels pretty nice, honestly. I’ve heard a lot of good things about Goodwill and how they help people even at their lowest – and that to me is remarkable.”
