SPLASH INTO SUMMER WITH GOODWILL FINDS

Surf into savings by shopping at Goodwill for all your summer must-haves! From swimsuits and cover-ups to pool floats and coolers, you can find everything you need for some fun in the sun at your local Goodwill. By shopping at Goodwill, not only will you rack up on great finds without breaking the bank, you’ll also do good for our community and planet!

SUMMER ESSENTIALS IN STORES NOW

YOUR DONATIONS & PURCHASES DO GOOD!

GOOD FOR OUR COMMUNITY

Your donations and purchases do big things for our community! The money we make from selling donated items in our stores is what pays for the job training programs, job search support and more that we offer completely free of charge to thousands of people in our community each year, including our very own team members.

GOOD FOR OUR PLANET

Goodwill stores play a big part in the circular economy, which is a system that keeps products in circulation for as long as possible. Goodwill helps communities extend the life of usable items, which reduces the amount of material sent to landfills or incinerators. Last year, we sold more than 20 million items in our stores and online shops – giving them a second chance.

Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont is centered on a clear purpose: connecting people to opportunities so they can find gainful employment and meaningful work. We believe in building pathways for individuals to enhance their skill sets and achieve more for themselves and their families. Whether it’s through job training programs, job search support services or volunteer and internship opportunities, we’re committed to workforce development that empowers people to grow.

Internships, in particular, offer hands-on experience and exposure to the real-world applications of classroom learning. Just ask Jack Halpern.

This past summer, Jack interned with our Business Intelligence & Data Analytics team while a student at Elon University. His time at Goodwill allowed him to develop professionally while contributing to work that supports our mission.

“My time interning at Goodwill has allowed me to fully immerse myself in the business side of the organization, gain a broader understanding of the impact of their mission, and see firsthand how my studies can align with my passion for nonprofit work,” Jack said.

Liana Humphrey, Director of Strategic Planning at Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, has managed several interns, both over the summer months and during the school year, and enjoys coaching and mentoring young people as they figure out their future vocation.

“There are so many different career paths at Goodwill, and in the nonprofit sector more broadly, and many students don’t realize how their skills and education can be applied for the community’s good,” Liana said. “It was rewarding to see Jack make this connection during his time at Goodwill, and we are delighted to support him on his journey toward starting his own analytical consulting firm that serves small businesses and nonprofits.”

Following his internship, Jack shared more exciting news – he was accepted into multiple Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) programs, including Florida State, Emory, Wake Forest, and Babson, with scholarships offered at several. He ultimately chose Wake Forest, drawn to its strong curriculum, hands-on learning experiences, and the opportunity to stay in North Carolina. He is grateful for the summer full of new and exciting opportunities that allowed him to further his academic and professional growth.

“I want to extend a big thank you to Liana and her team for having me over the summer and for their invaluable mentoring and support,” Jack said.

Jack’s journey is a powerful example of how internship opportunities at Goodwill can open doors and support individuals in taking meaningful steps toward their futures.

Goodwill offers both volunteer and internship opportunities for those looking to build experience while contributing to a mission-driven organization. Contact us if you’re interested in more information.

At Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, participants enrolled in the nonprofit’s tuition-free training programs also receive wraparound services. Participants are assigned an Employer Engagement Specialist and Career Navigator who help them with resumes, interviews and more. 

Julie Salinas plays a crucial role in connecting training participants with meaningful employment opportunities. As an Employer Engagement Specialist for BankWork$, an eight-week training program that prepares participants for roles in the financial industry, she works diligently to build relationships with banking institutions, ensuring that program graduates have access to quality jobs. In this interview, Julie shares her passion for her work and the impact it has on participants and the community. 

Q: Can you tell us about Goodwill’s employment engagement team and your role in the community?   

Julie: Our team partners with employers to strategically align with our training programs. We work to advocate for our participants, helping them secure employment opportunities that match their skills and aspirations.   

Q: What difference does your role make for participants?   

Julie: It makes a tremendous impact because participants don’t have to navigate the job search alone. They have a dedicated advocate who can send referrals directly to employers, highlighting them as strong candidates. That extra support can turn a resume into real employment opportunities, and that’s a game-changer.   

Q: What inspires you most about this work? 

Julie: Oh my gosh – it can be emotional, and sometimes I even tear up thinking about the impact. Coming from corporate, where everything was about the company, and transitioning to a role that focuses on people – it’s truly rewarding. I get to help people build careers, not just find jobs.   

Q: You go above and beyond to foster relationships with banks. What does that look like?   

Julie: I make it a priority to visit banks in person, drop in unannounced, meet branch managers, and introduce our program. I grab their business cards and follow up with success stories and partnership opportunities. I also look for networking events – though they’re rare in banking, I dig to find them because those connections make a difference.

Q: How do employers react when you introduce Goodwill’s mission to them?   

Julie: They’re always surprised! The first thing they think of when they hear “Goodwill” is a thrift store, so when I explain the job training and career navigation programs, they’re shocked and impressed. That often leads to partnerships beyond BankWork$ as they learn how we can support their hiring needs.   

Q: What impact has BankWork$ had on job placement in the community? 

Julie: Seeing the numbers and success stories is incredible – knowing that people are getting hired and launching careers makes all the effort worth it. I work with an amazing team, and together we’re helping people build lasting career pathways.   

Q: How long have you been with Goodwill, and how has your journey evolved?   

Julie: I’ve been with Goodwill for four years but worked at another Goodwill location for two years before that. I started in career navigation, helping people secure jobs, and then transitioned to employment engagement, where I now focus on strengthening employer partnerships.   

Q: What’s your biggest hope for the future?   

Julie: That we keep pushing forward and never stop. This work changes lives, and I want to see it grow even more.   

Through her dedication, Julie is not just creating job opportunities – she’s building a career pipeline and changing lives. Her relentless efforts to advocate for Goodwill’s participants ensure that more individuals gain access to stable, rewarding careers in the banking industry and beyond.   

SPRING HOME REFRESH

Spring is the perfect time for a home refresh! The good news? You don’t have to spend a fortune to give your space a stylish seasonal update. Our stores are filled with affordable, secondhand home décor treasures – from vases and artwork to throw pillows, candles and more. Whether you’re looking to brighten up a room or add fresh, spring-inspired touches, you’ll find unique pieces that fit your style and budget.

And you can feel good about your purchases because they do good for our community! The revenue we generate from selling items in our stores helps people train for and find employment. When people have access to quality jobs, they gain the stability they need to support themselves and their families. This not only empowers people, but it also creates stronger, healthier, and more vibrant communities. Want to make an even greater impact? Consider making a financial gift to support our mission and help more people build brighter futures.

GREAT FINDS IN STORES NOW

FIND MORE THRIFTED HOME GOODS & FURNITURE ONLINE

Missed out on a great find in stores? Home by Goodwill gives a second chance to unique home décor and furniture that didn’t sell in our stores – so you can shop curated secondhand pieces online and pick them up locally. Follow Home by Goodwill on Instagram and Facebook to see the latest finds and claim your favorites before they’re gone!

DENIM FOR DAYS

Denim is a tried-and-true staple of almost every wardrobe. And the good news is that you don’t have to break the bank or hurt the planet to add stylish denim pieces to your collection. Our stores are stocked with affordable, secondhand, name-brand denim – including jeans, jackets, shorts, skirts, overalls, and more!

DO GOOD FOR OUR PLANET

Many people don’t realize the amount of limited natural resources it takes to produce everyday items. For example, did you know it takes 1,800 gallons of water to grow enough cotton to make just one pair of jeans? When you donate denim you no longer want or buy secondhand jeans, you help preserve the planet’s water supply. Be a friend to the planet by donating to Goodwill and shopping secondhand! Be a friend to the planet by donating to Goodwill and shopping secondhand.

DO GOOD FOR OUR COMMUNITY

You can feel good about your purchases because they do good for our community! The revenue we generate from selling items in our stores helps people train for and find employment – at no cost to them. When people have access to quality jobs, they gain the stability they need to support themselves and their families. This not only empowers individuals, but it also creates stronger, healthier, and more vibrant communities.

Morgan Winston had a birthday to remember in December. In just one day, the teenager visited 17 Goodwill retail locations across the Charlotte region to commemorate her special day.

“I just love thrifting. That’s something my dad, my sister and I would do together,” Morgan said. “I thought, what’s something fun I could do for my 17th birthday? I just wanted to spend the whole day going to Goodwill. Then my dad had the idea: You’re turning 17, why don’t you go to 17 Goodwill’s?”

On December 28, 2024, Earnest Winston took his daughters, Morgan and her younger sister, Olivia, on a thrifting spree of 17 Goodwill’s across the Charlotte region.

“I know the kinds of clothes I’m going to find when I go to Old Navy, or if I go to H&M, but when I go to the Goodwill, I don’t know what I’m going to find,” Morgan explained. “For me, thrifting is a way to really curate my personal style, because it’s so unique. And I feel like no one else has what I have that I find at Goodwill,” Morgan added.

ThredUp’s Annual Report found that a younger generation is tapping into thrifting, with 56% of Gen Z and Millennials saying they would forgo the latest trends in favor of a one-of-a-kind look. 

“During COVID, I just started watching a lot of YouTubers who picked up thrifting. And I think I’d heard of it before, but I’d never seen it done, especially young people doing it,” Morgan explained. 

Just five years later, Morgan is an avid thrifter, and a regular at Goodwill. In addition to thrifting unique finds, she knows her shopping and donations at the nonprofits retail stores help to make a difference in the community and support sustainability. That’s why in addition to shopping on her birthday, both she and her sister cleaned out their closets and donated clothes.  

“It felt even more enjoyable knowing that by supporting Goodwill we’re able to help provide opportunities for people to learn new skills, find employment and provide for themselves and for their families,” Earnest said. “My wife and I, we are constantly trying to teach our daughters, this journey that we’re on called life is more than just about us. It’s about what we are doing to give back so that others can have a more impactful life. For me and my wife, that was the true meaning behind this experience.”

Although they didn’t make a purchase from every store, they did find goods at about 13 of the stores and spent time at all 17 stores. 

So, what does it take to visit 17 Goodwill locations in one day? First off, a good plan of action. 

“I think we got up around 6 a.m. and we left the house at about 8:20. We decided to go to the furthest location first and work our way back in,” Earnest explained of their plan for the day. 

With the help of Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, Earnest was able to give his daughter this very special birthday gift. The nonprofit assisted by providing a map of its 36 retail locations across the Charlotte region, so the Winston’s could select the stores they wanted to visit and achieve their goal. They even gifted Morgan with a swag bag at her final stop, the Idlewild store.

Their big day began at the store in Shelby, one of the largest Goodwill locations in the nation – featuring a community room and an entire electronics and gaming section hosted by the nonprofit’s tech store, The GRID.

“We were going to spend 15, no more than 20 minutes in each store. We spent like 30 minutes in the Shelby store because it was so huge,” Earnest explained.  

This created some challenges, and at one point they were unsure if they would achieve their goal, but they did. 

“We started off behind and we played catch up for the rest of the day,” Earnest said. 

While this day took a lot of preparation, for Earnest, this time with his daughters was priceless.

“Having both of them with me for the entire day was an amazing experience,” he said. “The reason I suggested 17 was because I wanted it to be even more meaningful than just a birthday celebration. For me, it was about having a goal, having something to aim for and dreaming big. I think I helped to sort of just reemphasize to them that it’s okay to dream big.”

Love is about growing together, supporting each other and building a future side by side. This Valentine’s Day, we’re highlighting Olena and Bogdan Nikolenko, a couple whose journey through Goodwill’s tuition-free training programs is helping to shape the future of their family and paving the way for their continued success. Their story is a testament to how Goodwill’s programs help people in our community advance their careers, strengthen their families and thrive. Keep reading to learn how Olena and Bogdan are turning their shared ambition into success!

What inspired you to take a tuition-free training program at Goodwill, and which program(s) did you take? 

• We arrived in the United States two and a half years ago from Ukraine as green card holders. The first year was not easy, because starting life from scratch is very difficult – a new country, finding a new job, another language, new rules of life – everything is different. We constantly solved new situations that we had not faced before, which was a challenge. In addition, our daughter was only three years old and there was no way to leave her with someone to study in the evenings after work. But we constantly thought about the need to find education in order to get better opportunities for development. A year and a half ago, we brought Olena’s mother from Ukraine because of a very terrible war, and we got the opportunity to study. We paid attention to the construction sphere because Bogdan was working as a frame installer here and Olena got a master’s degree in the construction industry from Ukraine. We started looking for courses in this field and were very surprised to find out that Goodwill, in addition to stores, has such a strong base for training personnel. We both took Construction Basics in Summer 2024. After that, Bogdan took the Electrical training program, and Olena is currently enrolled in the Blueprint Reading & Estimating program. 

How has completing your programs impacted your lives and careers, and how has this experience shaped your future as a family? 

• Bogdan is currently looking for opportunities in the electrical industry. We really believe that he will be able to find a job as an electrician. Thanks to Goodwill, Olena received excellent opportunities for development, and believed in herself. Olena left her previous job and followed her dream. A month ago, she got a job as a CAD designer at a large international company, and we are extremely happy. This gives our family great opportunities for development and a belief that anything is possible. 

What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in each other since finishing your training?

• We became more confident in our abilities and gained new knowledge that changed our lives for the better.

How did it feel to be able to take these courses at no cost?

• Goodwill helps people get free training, which seems almost impossible nowadays. Anyone who has the desire to develop and learn can gain new skills and start a new life. It’s incredible. 

What are your career goals now, and how do you support each other in achieving them? 

• We really believe that we can achieve the best results in the construction and manufacturing industry. We will always support and believe in each other, give help with advice and dream about the future. In the next 3-5 years, Olena hopes to become a manager. Bogdan would like to work in industrial electricity and possibly get higher education to become an electrical engineer.

If you could say one thing to the people who donate and shop at Goodwill, what would it be?

• Keep going and never stop. Your contributions change lives.

Anything else you’d like to add?

• We would like to say thank you to everyone who is working at the Goodwill Construction Skills Training Center. We absolutely love it! The staff is so friendly and responsive; they are always helpful and supportive.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Olena and Bogdan! We can’t wait to see what all you accomplish.

Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating love. At Goodwill, we’re highlighting two couples who now share not only a life together but also a passion for Goodwill’s mission. This Valentine’s Day, we’re taking a moment to celebrate these duos who bring teamwork, support, and a whole lot of heart to their roles every day.

Erin and Herc Petmezas

Erin Petmezas has been Goodwill’s Visual Design Manager since 2015, using her creativity to bring beauty to our stores and events. Herc, her husband, recently joined the Goodwill family, transitioning from a Donation Handler at the Idlewild store to a Risk Management Specialist.

When asked what she loves most about Herc, Erin found it hard to narrow it down—but she shared some highlights:

“There are so many things about Herc that I love, but here are just a few: he’s well-read (and has a very impressive library), his high moral compass and compassion for all living beings, the delicious meals he cooks with love, his creativity and ability to collaborate, intellect, sense of humor, and the many things he does to make my life easier and enjoyable.”

Herc, equally in awe of Erin, shared his admiration for his wife’s strength and spirit:

“There are so many things I love about Erin. The way she creatively solves problems and her overall tenacity and grit. She has a passion for life and learning. Her kindness and empathy inspire me every day to be the best version of myself. I am truly fortunate that the universe brought us together and look forward to living this life with her by my side.”

We LOVE their love! Erin even found her wedding gown at one of Goodwill’s annual Bridal Pop-Up Sales.

Sydnei & DeJaun (DJ) Neely

Sydnei has been with Goodwill since 2018 and is now the Store Manager at the Indian Land location. DJ joined the team in 2024 as a Tractor Trailer Driver. Their love story began at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, though they still playfully debate whether they first met at the student union or another spot on campus. Regardless of where it began, their connection was undeniable from the start.

DJ describes Sydnei as a beautiful and intelligent woman who listens without judgment. He cherishes her as his best friend, always admiring her radiant smile and recognizing her as a hardworking, phenomenal woman. He adds that her skills as a mother and cook make their home not only loving but full of warmth and comfort.

Sydnei, equally in love, describes DJ as a sweetheart—caring and loving in every way. She values his dedication as an amazing father and the unwavering support he brings into their lives. Their journey together is a testament to the power of love, friendship, and mutual respect.

This Valentine’s Day, we celebrate all forms of love—romantic, platonic, and community-driven. And to Erin, Herc, Sydnei, and DeJaun—thank you for sharing your love with us.

Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont is pleased to announce the promotion of Haley Smith to Director of Real Estate and Facilities. Since joining Goodwill in December 2021 as a Construction Manager, Haley has been a driving force behind our Donated Goods Retail growth. Before her time with the nonprofit, Haley brought her expertise as a Project Manager in residential construction and retail construction for Goodwill Industries of San Diego. 

Haley’s dedication to professional growth is evident as she pursues her Project Management certification and Commercial Real Estate license. She has been instrumental in managing key projects, including the recent opening of the Gastonia Career & Employment Center, and will now lead Facilities, Events, and Real Estate for Goodwill, along with her expanded team.  

Congratulations, Haley! 

Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont is pleased to announce the promotion of Lee Bond to Director of Corporate Compliance, recognizing his more than 17 years of exceptional service and leadership at Goodwill. Lee has been pivotal in advancing Risk Management, Safety, Loss Prevention, and Business Continuity initiatives. His guidance during the challenges of COVID-19 and disaster recovery planning underscored his invaluable expertise.

Lee’s commitment to growth includes earning the V-Legal Certificate from Vanderbilt School of Law and certifications in Environmental Health and Safety and Loss Prevention. Lee also served as a Detective Sergeant for more than 20 years in command of the Homicide and Robbery division for a Hampton Roads police Department in southeastern Virginia, before his tenure at Goodwill.

Congratulations, Lee!