Jordon – having earned his Eagle Scout, high school diploma, and a college certificate – had the qualifications to get the jobs he applied for but lacked the confidence and interview skills needed to articulate his qualifications. These interpersonal hurdles prevented Jordon from ever getting job offers.

“I was already attending classes at Central Piedmont Community College when I decided to try Goodwill’s Career Leadership Academy for Youth (CLAY). CLAY helped me to be brave and confident in my abilities.”

Wanda had been out of the corporate world for over 14 years and needed help finding sustainable employment. “My age and gender were always in the back of my mind. I thought to myself, ‘Who is going to ever hire me?’”

“I moved to Charlotte from Baltimore, M.D. with my two children. I didn’t have a real plan. And let me tell you that’s scary, particularly for a parent,” said Cassandra. “After trying to make a better life for myself on my own, I realized I needed some help, and this was when I learned of Goodwill.”