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This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating the powerful impact of a mother’s encouragement and example – and how it helped shape her son’s future.

Rodney Bey II, now a Personal Banker I at Fifth Third Bank, had always had an interest in pursuing a career in banking, but he didn’t know how to get in from the outside or land an interview. That’s when he saw his mother, Cynthia Bey, step into something new with confidence and curiosity. Cynthia joined Goodwill’s BankWork$ training program after retirement, simply seeking a part-time job. Her ambition, even at a new stage in life, left a deep impression on Rodney.

“She ended up impressing them so much during the class that she was offered a permanent position,” Rodney said. “That was amazing to me.”

Seeing his mom – someone he had long admired for her professional accomplishments – embrace the challenge and learn something new inspired Rodney to follow her lead. Cynthia believed the program was a perfect fit for him, and encouraged him to enroll.

Rodney followed in her footsteps, joining BankWork$ himself. The tuition-free program, offered through Goodwill, equips participants with the tools they need for successful careers in banking, including customer service skills, bank regulations, financial products and cash handling. Cynthia’s support was more than a gentle push – it was the reason Rodney knew the opportunity existed. Her confidence in him gave him the courage to make a change.

“I’ve seen my mom accomplish a lot,” Rodney shared. “It was inspiring to see a woman retiring still be hungry to learn new things. It was even more awesome that she felt it was something suited for me.”

Just two weeks after graduating, both Rodney and Cynthia landed jobs in the banking industry. Now, they’re building financial stability for themselves and helping others do the same. And they’ve returned to the classroom as guest speakers, sharing their story to motivate new BankWork$ students. Rodney is thankful for the opportunity and feels the love this Mother’s Day.

“I’m just grateful to have a wonderful mom like her who is always keeping my best interest at heart and is willing to help me however she can. Her encouragement was very instrumental in seeking a new banking career,” Rodney shared.

Thanks to programs like BankWork$ – made possible by shopping and donating at Goodwill stores and generous financial contributions – families like the Beys are gaining access to new careers and building generational wealth. But this story is also a reminder: sometimes, the best example and cheerleader is Mom.

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.

Graham is thriving in his role as an E-commerce Shift Leader, but just a few years ago, life looked different for the Goodwill team member.

“I was moving back from Greensboro to where I was raised, here in Charlotte, and I needed to find a job and quick because I didn’t have a place to stay. So, I was couch surfing at the time,” Graham explained of his life before Goodwill.

Referred by friend and Apparel Quality Specialist Paige, who works at our Ballantyne-East store, Graham was hired at Goodwill, starting as a Donation Material Handler.

“I didn’t really know where I was going to go with this organization or anything, but I just came in open-minded,” Graham said.

Goodwill provides its team members developmental resources like Pathways, an internal coaching program designed to help team members achieve personal and professional goals.

“I believe you get out of it what you put into it. So, I was like, I’m going to just put in my all and see what I get out of it,” he said.

Graham was assigned to Pathways coach Ayme, who helped him grow with Goodwill and achieve personal goals he set for himself.

“From our very first session, I could tell that this is someone that heard me and was not just doing their job, but someone that genuinely cared,” Graham shared. “She really puts the person first, and that goes a long way when building relationships.”

Today, Graham is in a leadership role thanks in part to Ayme and her continued coaching.

“I did my work, and I continued to meet with Ayme, and she continued to pour into me, and I continued to take those lessons with me and work on those goals I wanted to do. And one of the big goals was to find a place because I didn’t want to be on the couch for much longer.”

Today, Graham has his own apartment. He was able to achieve this goal by climbing the ranks within the organization. When he accepted the position as Retail Shift Manager at our Steele Creek store, he was making enough money to get his own place.

“It was really exciting for me to feel more stable and to really start thinking about the future and starting to move away from just survival mode,” he said.

From there, he continued to grow, applying to positions internally, landing in his current role as an E-commerce Shift Leader, where he’s been for nearly a year.

Graham isn’t done yet; he is now in the process of accomplishing a new goal. With help from Goodwill’s tuition reimbursement program, he’s in college at Central Piedmont Community College studying business administration.

“I never thought that college was for me, but in the back of my mind, it was something I always aspired to do. Both my sisters went to college, and I always knew it was something that I could be able to do, but I just had to have the oomph to go out and do it,” he explained.

Ayme is also making sure Graham is financially literate, helping him set a monthly budget and properly invest for retirement.

Through the Pathways program and Goodwill’s investment in its team members, Graham and 210 other Goodwill team members have been able to successfully achieve their goals and advance their lives.

“Honestly, it gives purpose to what I do every day because 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.”

Graham wants to continue growing in leadership, and he has a great mentor, his current manager Doug, to help him achieve his goals.

“From the very first day, I could tell Doug was a different type of leader, and he was definitely one that I appreciated,” Graham said. “I think Doug is great because he cares about the people, and he cares about building them up, and he’s not afraid to let you go and keep growing. And I want to be that kind of leader in the future within the organization so that I can pour into the next person, and we can have an environment of people that want to help people achieve their goals.”

Learn more about working with purpose at Goodwill here.

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.   

By: Justin Taylor, Stakeholder Engagement Manager at Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont

At Goodwill, we approach our work with three core values in mind: be bold, listen actively, and build a village. Community partnerships are crucial for us to create pathways for individuals to achieve their goals and improve their lives.

Second Chance Month serves as a powerful reminder of the barriers faced by individuals impacted by the justice system—and the incredible opportunities that second chances can provide. Each April, we recognize the challenges of reentry and reaffirm our commitment to fostering equitable opportunities for success, which is why we partner with the Center for Community Transitions (CCT).

CCT aims to strengthen our community by helping justice-impacted individuals find healthier and more productive ways of living. The Center’s flagship program, LifeWorks!, is designed to support individuals in obtaining and retaining employment.

Together with CCT, Goodwill is committed to helping its participants break down barriers and overcome obstacles. We recognize that it takes a village to achieve this. The collaborative environment at the Goodwill Opportunity Center allows both organizations, along with other partners, to ensure that everyone who walks through the doors has access to wrap-around services tailored to their individual needs.

“We believe in creating pathways for individuals to achieve their goals and improve their lives. Our partnership with the Center for Community Transitions exemplifies this commitment,” said Carola Cardenas, Director of Workforce Partnerships and Outreach for Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont. “Together, we provide essential support and resources to help justice-impacted individuals find healthier and more productive ways of living. This collaboration not only strengthens our community but also empowers individuals to pursue their passions and build a brighter future for themselves and their families.”

The community plays an integral role in supporting second chances for formerly incarcerated individuals by staying open-minded, limiting biases, and fostering inclusive environments. Employers can also support second chance initiatives by reviewing and expanding their second chance hiring policies. Companies that are already second-chance employers should success stories to raise awareness.

“We are all interconnected, each a unique part of humanity. Take your time before judging others, as everyone makes mistakes. Remember, any of us could easily find ourselves in someone else’s situation with just one decision,” said Sherina Richard, Program Director of LifeWorks! at the Center for Community Transitions.

Richard also encourages individuals and organizations to join the Center and its staff when they attend Second Chance Advocacy Day. “It is a time for all who believe in second chances to come together to speak to our lawmakers and lobby for second chance rights. This year, Advocacy Day will be held on May 6, 2025, in Raleigh, NC,” she said.

Goodwill’s partnership with CCT is a testament to the transformative power of collective action. As we celebrate Second Chance Month, we honor the important work being done to support justice-impacted individuals across our community. To learn more about CCT, visit www.centerforcommunitytransitions.org.

Odile is thriving in life thanks to the help of Goodwill’s Pathways program, offered free of charge to Goodwill team members thanks to the community’s donations and purchases at our retail stores. The Pathways program is designed to support our team members in achieving their professional development and personal goals. Goodwill team members have the opportunity to work with a Career Navigator, who acts as a personal coach, to assess current needs and skills, explore options for educational and career advancement, and work on an action plan to achieve goals.

“I always wanted to go to school,” Odile said. “When I joined Pathways, those were my goals: to go to school and become an American citizen.”

With the guidance of Pathways coach Ayme, Odile began turning her aspirations into achievements. Since joining Goodwill in July 2020, she has earned her associate degree from Central Piedmont Community College and proudly became a U.S. citizen in August 2023. 

“When I came to America, I made a list of all the things that I want to accomplish in America. After I became legal, it was like a snowball effect; everything just started to happen,” she said.

But she’s not done — she’s currently working on her bachelor’s degree and hopes to one day obtain her master’s degree.

“Pathways has opened up a new world for me,” Odile said. “Right now, I’m working on my bachelor’s degree at Johnson C. Smith University. I want to become a licensed clinical social worker. I need to finish my bachelor’s, and then I’m going to go for my master’s and do what I need in order to become a mental health therapist.”

The transition has not been easy for Odile, who once owned her own business, but it has put her on the trajectory to prosper.

“The reason why I came to Goodwill was because I became very sick. I used to have an eBay store, and I did that for 12 years from home, but then I could no longer sit in front of the computer,” she said.

Today, Odile enjoys working at Goodwill and jokes she may never want to leave. Thanks to the resources provided, she has been able to advance her life and accomplish both personal and professional goals.

“Pathways has helped me beyond my imagination. 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.”

At Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, Second Chance Month serves as a powerful reminder of the barriers faced by individuals impacted by the justice system—and the incredible opportunities that second chances can provide. Each April, we recognize the challenges of reentry and reaffirm our commitment to fostering equitable opportunities for success, like we did for Mark.

Before Mark began working at Goodwill in 2016, he was looking for a chance to start a career, but his road to stability was far from easy.

“I moved from California in 2008. But before that, I had been in prison for 12 years,” Mark shared. “Coming here was a fresh start. But when [companies] saw my record, nobody wanted to give me a fresh start.”

The overwhelming majority of incarcerated individuals face similar obstacles upon their return to society. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 650,000 people are released from federal and state prisons annually, confronting significant challenges to employment, housing, education and community reintegration.

Mark owned a cleaning company, but inconsistent income led him to Goodwill for help with his job search. What started as a visit for resume assistance quickly turned into a career journey.

“I went to Goodwill for resume help, but then I started working in the stores,” he said. “The store manager told me the first day, ‘You should be in management.’ Six months to a year later, she promoted me to Shift Manager and then Assistant Manager.”

For Mark, Goodwill provided much-needed stability after years of setbacks.

“It helped me mentally and financially, because mentally, I was beaten up. Everybody was telling me no. In the eight years that I’ve been here, I’ve barely missed a day. Goodwill saw my record, and they still gave me a chance. So, I’m going to make good on the chance they took with me.”

Goodwill actively seeks to advance policy solutions that support justice-impacted individuals. Through fair-chance hiring practices, community-based support, and partnerships with organizations focused on holistic reentry programs proven to reduce recidivism, strengthen families, and create safer communities, we strive to provide people like Mark with a pathway toward success.

“Each year we partner with area reentry experts to determine best practices,” said Chip Bryan, Director of Talent Acquisition for Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont. “As a result, we are able to offer more second chances to justice-involved individuals, helping them get a new lease on life and prevent recidivism, thus continuing to strengthen our community.”

Goodwill’s mission is to build pathways that help individuals pursue the lives they want to achieve. As a proud second-chance employer, we remain steadfast in creating equitable access to career opportunities for all.

Mark’s journey through Goodwill exemplifies this mission—and he takes pride in sharing his story with others.

“[Goodwill] can help you get where you want to be, or at least take that first step,” he stated. “When I’m cashiering and a customer asks what rounding up at the register goes to, I get the opportunity to explain to them that I came through the program that you’re donating to. So, it makes an impact.”

Throughout his journey, Mark has formed meaningful connections that have inspired him along the way.

“I’ve met a lot of good people through Goodwill,” he said. “I enjoy the people I work with; we’re like a big family. Most of us have been working together since I started, and some of them [worked here] before me. I was their peer and now I’m their manager, but they respect that, and I appreciate it. Everybody here has been so helpful. It made me believe in the Goodwill experience.”

Mark’s story is a testament to the transformative power of second chances. As we celebrate Second Chances Month, we honor his perseverance and the important work being done to support justice-impacted individuals across our community.

At Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, we deeply value Black History Month as a time to celebrate and honor the significant contributions of Black Americans. This Black History Month, we stand with many others in recognizing the past, present and future achievements of Black Americans. Their contributions have been instrumental in shaping America into what it is today.

We also honor the vital role Black Americans play in the workforce. Their diverse perspectives, talents, and leadership are essential to driving innovation and growth. Recognizing and supporting Black Americans in the workforce is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and dynamic work environment, which ultimately strengthens workforce development.

Goodwill remains unwavering in its commitment to ensuring that everyone and everything matters. We are dedicated to serving all people with excellence.

Stay tuned throughout the month as we highlight the achievements of team members, program participants, and community partners who inspire us every day.

As we approach the season of giving and the close of 2024, the global movement of Giving Tuesday provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the power of generosity to transform lives. At Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, we’ve seen firsthand how acts of giving can open doors, build pathways and change futures.

At Goodwill, we believe that a job is more than just a paycheck—it’s a steppingstone to independence and a brighter tomorrow. But for many in our community, barriers like limited access to education, the challenge of re-entering the workforce in a competitive job market, and personal hardships make employment feel out of reach.

That’s where Goodwill steps in, offering tuition-free training programs, job search support services and unwavering support to help individuals find success and further their lives.

MEET RITU

Take Ritu’s story, for example. A talented IT professional, Ritu took a career break to raise her children. When she was ready to return to work, she felt overwhelmed, uncertain, and left behind in a field that evolves rapidly. Ritu found her way to one of Goodwill’s Advanced IT training programs, where she gained the skills and confidence to re-enter the workforce. Today, she’s thriving as an Operations Analyst at LPL Financial.

Ritu’s gratitude for the role Goodwill played in her life inspired her to give back with a generous donation. Her gift ensures others in our community can access the same life-changing opportunities she did.

This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to join Ritu in giving the gift of possibility. Your generosity fuels programs that provide:

EVERY GIFT CHANGES LIVES

Your support on Giving Tuesday will help individuals like Ritu overcome challenges, regain confidence and create new beginnings. Together, we can connect people to good jobs and empower them to build brighter futures for themselves and their families. You can read more Goodwill success stories here.

WAYS TO GIVE

Giving Tuesday is a reminder that small acts of kindness can create lasting ripples of impact. Your support ensures that Goodwill can continue to provide these resources needed for community members to thrive in 2025 and beyond.

This Giving Tuesday, your gift can be the bridge to a brighter future for someone in our community.

The Charlotte region is home to more than 100,000 financial services jobs, and it is the second-largest banking center in the nation. With no other workforce development programs dedicated to the finance industry in the greater Charlotte region, Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, in partnership with The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) and CareerWork$, expanded its training division to offer the BankWork$® program in Fall 2023.

Since its launch, the nonprofit has helped 42 participants from four cohorts achieve employment, 30 of those jobs in the banking industry. Financial institutions such as Bank OZK are helping the nonprofit work toward its bold vision of providing meaningful employment to 15,000 individuals by 2029, and together the organizations are creating a new talent pipeline to address the critical issue of economic mobility in the Charlotte region.

“In today’s employment landscape, staffing continues to pose challenges for employers. Our partnership with Goodwill has been very beneficial to Bank OZK as Goodwill trains participants on essential skills like relationship building, problem solving, identifying customer needs, developing the ability to engage customers effectively, as well as promoting and selling bank products and services,” said Cathy Bonner, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion & Outreach Programs at Bank OZK.

BankWork$ is an eight-week intensive workforce services program delivered by Goodwill that gives people the skills, access and coaching needed to succeed and grow in banking careers—from understanding the financial services workplace to bank regulations, bank products, cash handling, and processing customer transactions. Graduates are prepared for roles such as: Associate Banker, Branch Banker, Client Services Representative, Lead Teller, Member Service Consultant, Personal Banker, Relationship Banker, Teller, and Call Center Representative.

“BankWork$ and our great relationship with Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont has played an instrumental role in helping us identify diverse, qualified talent in our North Carolina Retail Division led by Division President Shirley Edmond. BankWork$ prepares students well, making them immediately ready for a career in banking,” Bonner explained.

To date, four BankWork$ graduates have been hired by Bank OZK and work at their Belmont, Bessemer City, Cornelius and Landis banking centers. The bank anticipates hiring more graduates and is already eyeing participants from the fifth cohort, which ended in early November.

While the priority is to help community members access meaningful jobs, the partnership goes far beyond employment. Bank OZK has become an intricate part of the curriculum in the classroom and lends their industry insight to participants as needed.

“Bank OZK provides our expertise by facilitating classroom instruction and participating in mock interviews for each cohort class,” Bonner said. “Each completed cohort produces participants that are ready and prepared for careers in banking. Bank OZK prides itself on delivering exceptional customer service, and the talent we have sourced through Goodwill has certainly strengthened our team.”

Kenya Cunningham works as a Customer Banking Relationship Specialist for Bank OZK, a job she was able to land less than two months after graduating from the inaugural BankWork$ program.

“Goodwill is the place where you can turn your life around in a few weeks. You can go from, like myself, below poverty level to now middle-class income,” Cunningham stated during her graduation speech in January 2024 after starting with Bank OZK.

Tuition-free training programs like BankWork$ are available to the community, thanks to shopping and donating at Goodwill’s 36 retail locations and more than 40 donation sites, in addition to critical philanthropic contributions from corporations and community members. Success isn’t achieved alone, which is why Goodwill encourages partnership and collaboration to help community members advance their careers, and improve their lives.  

“We envision a community where equitable access to career opportunities is available for all,” said Chris Jackson, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont. “We recognize that skilled training is an essential part of helping to build our growing city, and we cannot achieve this work alone. Bank OZK’s partnership is critical in supporting our mission and providing economic stability to individuals in the Charlotte region.”

Bonner echoes that sentiment and encourages other financial institutions to learn about the BankWork$ program and find a way to get involved.

“Banks can support Goodwill’s mission by participating in Goodwill programs, offering job training and placement services for Goodwill participants through partnerships, promoting Goodwill’s programs to their customers, and hiring Goodwill graduates. This ultimately contributes to a more inclusive and thriving local economy by helping individuals overcome barriers to employment and achieve financial stability,” she said.

If you would like to support the BankWork$ program, or other career services and programs offered by Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, you can email Clarence Scott, director of GoodWork Staffing & Employer Engagement at Clarence.Scott@goodwillsp.org.