
Graham
“I know how the work we do actually impacts people, and I’ve seen it, not only for myself but in my peers as well, and it inspires me to get up and come into work.”
Behind every Goodwill success story is a journey of growth — whether it begins with a bold step forward, a new opportunity, or a change in direction. At Goodwill, we empower people to learn new skills, strengthen their networks, and grow their confidence so they can achieve more for themselves and their families. Learn how Goodwill has helped community members and team members grow their careers and create brighter futures.

“I know how the work we do actually impacts people, and I’ve seen it, not only for myself but in my peers as well, and it inspires me to get up and come into work.”

“This was a blessing. I’m stuck in student debt, so to be a part of a program that was free of charge, and I got good experience and learning tools; that’s a prized opportunity.”

“I went to a hiring event. I told them I was a Goodwill participant, and I guess that made me stand out. I felt prepared because of Goodwill. They had mock interviews, so it prepared me for my interview with Charlotte Water.”

“The support I have received through Pathways has helped me grow not only academically and professionally but also personally. Beyond achieving my college degree and becoming an American citizen, it has helped me become more self-aware and work on areas of personal growth. Today, I feel like a completely different person because of that.”

“I wasn’t willing to go back to school full-time and spend thousands of dollars. The Goodwill team helped me get interviews, gave me advice, encouraged me, and made sure I was portraying myself correctly to employers.”

“Goodwill came in at the perfect time. They helped me keep working while I was dealing with everything else. Without them, I would’ve been out of a job. They had the perfect job, perfect location, perfect pay. I knew I had to land it. It felt like it was meant for me.”

“Some programs overcharge and don’t offer nearly as much support as Goodwill. Anywhere I go, I tell people—if you want a career change, look into Goodwill. They’ll give you the tools, the support and the belief that you can do it.”

“The training program is free, but it cost my time and effort. The opportunities that follow are amazing. It might seem simple, but it’ll take you somewhere nice.”

“I’ve gone from a part-time Cashier to Shift Lead, and now to Assistant Manager. I joined the Pathways program to help me build the confidence and develop the leadership skills that I needed for this role.”

“The free training course allowed me to figure out where I wanted to go without putting up thousands of dollars. I found several other programs that were as much as $5,000, and nowhere near as detailed. You still have to commit your time, but the least I could do was show up and show out.”