At Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, we believe everyone deserves access to the skills and tools needed to succeed in today’s digital world. That’s why we’re proud to partner with the Center for Digital Equity (CDE) to bring free computer training – and free laptops – to people across our region.

Through the CDE’s ConnectTech program, participants learn essential digital skills that open doors to employment, education, and overall independence. With more than 90 percent of jobs in North Carolina now requiring digital proficiency, this kind of access is critical.

Classes are led by the CDE’s digital navigators and hosted at community-centered locations like Goodwill’s Career and Employment Centers in Charlotte and Gastonia. Participants build confidence using technology for everyday tasks, from emailing and applying for jobs to navigating online platforms for school and healthcare. By June of 2026, 900 laptops will be distributed to participants who complete the program’s required assessments.

Goodwill is honored to collaborate with partners like CDE, the YMCA, and others committed to creating a more equitable digital future for our community. Together, we are helping hundreds of residents gain the tools they need to build brighter futures.

Learn more about Goodwill’s free digital skills offerings at this link.

At Goodwill, we know that supporting people holistically means meeting a wide range of needs. That’s why we’re proud to partner with trusted community organizations to bring free tax preparation support to both our Charlotte and Gastonia Career & Employment Centers this tax season.

Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont is receiving a substantial financial contribution toward its mission. The nonprofit was awarded a grant from The Lennar Foundation and the Charles Koch Foundation.

“We are thrilled to receive this investment in our mission,” said LaRita Barber, Chief Advancement Officer for Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont. “Financial contributions like this one make it possible for us to offer job training programs at no cost to community members. We know that sustainable employment is a key driver of economic mobility and prosperity, and programs like our Construction & Trade Skills training program help people build the skills they need to succeed.”

Funding will support Goodwill’s Construction Basics program, which provides participants with foundational skills for employment in the construction industry. The 10-week program, delivered at the Goodwill Construction Skills Training Center, includes instruction in job site safety, basic math and tool identification, and it serves as the prerequisite to advanced programs also offered at the center.

“Employment opportunities in the construction industry are growing rapidly, but many job seekers lack the skills employers need,” said Marvin Kelley, Director for Construction & Trade Skills training at Goodwill. “Our program bridges that gap by providing hands-on training and industry-recognized certifications to set participants up for long-term success.” 

Upon completion, participants earn National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Core and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 30-hour certifications. They also receive support from Goodwill staff, who provide wraparound services such as resume prep, mock interviews and assistance in building employability skills. 

The Goodwill Construction Skills Training Center opened in 2019 to create a pathway for upward mobility through the trades, while also addressing the labor shortage of local construction companies. Since then, the Goodwill program has graduated 850 adult learners, increased its list of employer partners and created a pipeline of talent to local construction companies.

Christina has been with Goodwill since 2020. Thanks to donations and purchases at our retail stores, Goodwill is able to provide team members with services and developmental resources like Pathways, an internal coaching program designed to help team members achieve personal and professional goals. As a Pathways coach, Christina works one-on-one with team members to help them reach their goals – from buying a car or house to finding a career or preparing for retirement.

“We might work on a budget, or we look for scholarships or grants,” she explained. “Then I get to help them impact their careers, just like my career has been impacted at Goodwill.”

Like many team members, Christina started her Goodwill journey in retail. She worked in retail for 25 years before joining Goodwill as a Store Manager.

“I’ve always shopped at Goodwill; always loved what they did,” Christina shared. “So, I happened to be in the store one day and saw that they were looking for a new Store Manager. I interviewed, and they offered me the job at the Franklin Square store.”

“I loved managing the store, but I really wanted to make more of an impact in Goodwill. Once I found out about Pathways, I said, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s exactly what I want to do.'”

Christina interviewed for the Pathways position, and the rest is history. She began working on the Pathways team in February 2022. Her retail experience helps her bond with Pathways participants and allows her to assist in stores when needed.

“I have been in retail trying to figure out what the next point in my career needs to be,” she emphasized. “I help team members with changes to their schedule; what impact they can make to hit their numbers. I help them write action plans. All kinds of stuff that I used to do as a manager, I’ve helped them do in the Pathways program.”

Christina has helped over 100 people in her tenure as a Pathways Career Navigator. But even though she’s helped so many, she doesn’t take all the credit.

“A lot of times, I feel like I don’t do anything. I get to be their biggest cheerleader or their drill sergeant,” she laughs. “They’re the ones that do the work.”

Christina is happy where she is in her career and with the people she’s encountered at Goodwill.

“Since coming on to Pathways, my teammates have been awesome. Then any of our participants, they impact my life in ways that I can’t ever put into words.”

“What makes me stay is the people. Not just the people I work with, or participants. People that need services, our customers, people who donate their items,” she said. “I just love what Goodwill does and I love sharing Goodwill’s story with everybody that I come in contact with.”

If you would like to help fund Goodwill’s programs and services that are offered free-of-charge to thousands of community members and team members annually, consider dropping off your gently used donations at one of our locations or making a financial contribution.

In the City of Charlotte, a partnership between Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont and Charlotte Water is creating careers in construction and strengthening the city’s workforce.

At Goodwill, participants can take tuition-free training programs in construction and trade training, including Construction Basics, HVAC, Electrical, Commercial Carpentry and more. While completing the training, participants have access to wraparound services, including working with a Career Navigator, who helps them update their resume and conduct mock interviews, along with learning essential skills that prepare them to enter the workforce. 

“At Goodwill, we prepare our students not only with technical skills but with a holistic approach – addressing career readiness, life skills, and the confidence needed to thrive on the job,” said Marvin Kelley, Director of Construction and Trade Skills Training at Goodwill.  

Another strong benefit is Goodwill’s Employer Engagement Team, who connects qualified Goodwill graduates with employers searching for their next hire.  

“I build relationships with both parties to ensure the right fit and offer services like job leads, referrals, hiring events, and employer-led training,” said Matt Robson, Employer Engagement Specialist for Goodwill’s Construction & Trade Skills Training Program. “We emphasize essential skills like initiative, communication, and conflict resolution – qualities employers consistently seek.”

One of the strongest partnerships for Goodwill’s Construction and Trade Training program is with the City of Charlotte; in particular, Charlotte Water.   

Over the past two years, eight Goodwill participants have been placed at Charlotte Water through this partnership, with five entering through the apprenticeship track. The average starting wage for these roles is $22.13. 

Through a Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship program, Charlotte Water offers a 12-month paid experience that provides participants real-world experience in the water industry. Each apprentice is paired with a mentor and earns their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Tanker endorsement, a vital credential for advancing in field operations. 

Participants, several of whom come through Goodwill’s Construction Skills Training Center, are working, growing their skills, and preparing for long-term careers in the water industry. 

Armonte Massey went through the apprenticeship program and is now a Utility Technician I at Charlotte Water. Massey has directly benefited from the partnership.  

“I always wanted to work for the city, because my brother does,” he shared. “I was filling out applications, but I never got hired because I didn’t have the experience. [After completing the courses at Goodwill,] I went to a hiring event. I told them I was a Goodwill participant, and I guess that made me stand out.”

“At Charlotte Water, I’ve learned a lot. I’ve learned how to use more tools; I have my CDL and now I’m the dump truck driver. I have different certifications, and I’m eventually going to go to school to get more.”  

Shakira Townsend is another Goodwill graduate who has built a career with Charlotte Water. She has been working there since 2022 and is a Utility Technician II.

“To be able to take these classes and go into the community with the necessary skills – that has truly changed my life,” she said. “I am very happy where I am now. I go to work happy, and I learn something new every day.”

Goodwill’s Construction Skills Training Center plays a critical role in preparing participants for the next step in their careers.

“Over the past two years, our collaboration with the Goodwill Construction Skills Training Center has consistently produced participants who are well prepared, studious, and highly engaged in the learning process by the time they join Charlotte Water. Their foundational experience through Goodwill allows them to transition seamlessly into our apprenticeship environment and excel in their training,” said Paula Holmes, Workforce Development Lead at Charlotte Water.

As Charlotte continues to grow, so does the need for skilled professionals in essential services like water infrastructure. This partnership between Goodwill and Charlotte Water is not only meeting that need; it’s an act of investing in the future of the city and its people. 

“Our partnership with the City of Charlotte and Charlotte Water demonstrates what’s possible when education, opportunity, and community come together. Seeing our graduates in Charlotte Water’s apprenticeship program is a powerful reminder that when we invest in people, we build stronger careers and a stronger city,” said Marvin Kelley. 

If you’re an employer looking for talent that’s trained, motivated, and equipped with essential skills, partner with Goodwill to connect with candidates who are ready to make an impact from day one. Contact our Employer Engagement Team to learn more.

At Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, construction training is more than just learning a trade – it’s about transforming lives. In honor of Careers in Construction Month, we’re highlighting three Goodwill team members who play a vital role in guiding participants toward sustainable careers in the skilled trades.

Verona Hendrix, Robert Johnson and Matt Robson assist construction participants in preparing for a role in the industry. As Career Navigators, Verona and Robert provide career coaching, assisting with resumes and mock interviews to ensure participants are ready to secure their next role. As an Employer Engagement Specialist, Matt works with employers to set up opportunities to find talent, such as job fairs and roundtables. He then works to connect participants with employers in hopes that they will find a great match.  

We asked the team a few questions about the work they do and how Goodwill’s Construction Skills Training Program is helping participants prepare for the future of construction. 

How do you support participants in the construction program? 

• Matt: I help close the construction labor gap in Charlotte by connecting participants with construction companies offering entry-level opportunities with growth potential. I build relationships with both parties to ensure the right fit and offer services like job leads, referrals, hiring events, and employer-led training. 
• Verona: Career Navigators provide comprehensive coaching and navigation services to prepare participants for the successful completion of training and employment in the construction industry. 
• Robert: I guide participants from enrollment to employment, helping them identify career goals, connect with training, and prepare for interviews. My goal is to empower participants with the tools and confidence they need to succeed in a high-demand field. 

How is Goodwill preparing participants for the future of construction? 

• Matt: Our program is forward-thinking. We’re constantly evolving our offerings based on employer feedback and market research. We also bring in industry experts to speak to students or lead training sessions.  
• Verona: We equip participants with essential and employability skills to help them adapt and thrive in the current and future construction workforce. 
• Robert: Goodwill combines hands-on training with essential career readiness skills. Through partnerships with industry leaders, we ensure the curriculum reflects current trends and technologies, like sustainable building practices and digital tools used on job sites. Participants also earn certifications and receive wraparound support, equipping them not just for today’s construction jobs, but for long-term success in a rapidly evolving industry. 

What does it mean to be part of someone’s journey toward a sustainable career? 

• Matt: I am very grateful I have found a role where personal impact is created as a result of the work I do.  It continues to motivate me each day because I know that my effort on the job is directly linked to better outcomes for both our participants and the broader Charlotte community. 
• Verona: It’s a wonderful feeling to help someone meet their goals and thrive in a new career! 
• Robert: It means everything to me. It’s about more than just helping someone find a job—it’s about empowering them to build a future they can be proud of. I get to witness growth, celebrate wins, and support participants through challenges. Helping someone gain stability and purpose is incredibly rewarding.

Why is partnering with Goodwill a smart investment for construction employers seeking skilled, job-ready talent? 

• Matt: Employers should partner with Goodwill not only because it saves them time and money on recruiting talent, but it allows us to continue to gain funding and offer trainings and other employment services at no cost to the participant. We emphasize essential skills like initiative, communication, and conflict resolution—qualities employers consistently seek. 
• Verona: Goodwill offers more than other construction training centers. We offer classroom and hands-on training and access to three certifications upon completion. In addition, we provide career coaching, essential skills, and access to employer networks. 
• Robert: Partnering with Goodwill is a smart investment for construction employers because it connects them with a pipeline of motivated, well-prepared talent. Goodwill’s training programs are aligned with industry needs, so employers benefit from candidates who are technically skilled, adaptable, and ready to contribute from day one. Partnering with Goodwill also shows a commitment to workforce development and community impact — helping build a stronger, more inclusive construction industry. 

CELEBRATING OUR PARTNERS

At Goodwill, we believe that lasting change begins with a holistic approach. Stability in a career is deeply connected to stability in other areas of life – finances, health, housing and more. That’s why the Goodwill Opportunity Campus is home to a network of carefully selected partners who help address the full spectrum of needs our participants may face. But these partners aren’t just tenants – they’re collaborators. We work side by side, aligning our missions and overlapping our services to create a truly integrated support system. Through regular meetings and shared initiatives, we continuously explore ways to better serve our community together. This intentional, mission-driven model ensures that every individual who walks through our doors has access to the resources they need to prosper and thrive.

Charlotte Community Health Clinic

Charlotte Community Health Clinic provides accessible, affordable healthcare to adults and children, including primary care, behavioral health, and wellness education. With support from community partners and volunteers, the clinic bridges the gap for those without other means of medical or dental care, improving overall health outcomes in our community.

The Center for Community Transitions

The Center for Community Transitions helps individuals with criminal records rebuild their lives through employment services, behavioral health support, and family reunification programs. Their three initiatives—LifeWorks!, the Center for Women, and Behavioral Health—offer pathways to stability and reduce barriers to successful reentry.

Common Wealth Charlotte

Common Wealth Charlotte empowers economically vulnerable individuals through trauma-informed financial education, one-on-one counseling, and access to safe financial products. Their model includes free banking services and 0% interest loans, helping clients build financial capability and achieve lasting economic mobility.

Skyla Credit Union

Skyla Credit Union’s Financial Wellness Center at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus offers personalized financial counseling focused on budgeting, saving, and credit management. While not a full-service branch, it provides essential toolsGU —including an on-site ATM—to help members navigate financial challenges and work toward stability.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

It truly takes a village to support individuals on their journey to stability and success. At the Goodwill Opportunity Campus, our partners work together to create a community of care that meets people where they are and helps them move forward.

Stay tuned to our social media channels throughout October as we spotlight these partnerships and the impact they’re making: Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.

If you’re interested in exploring a partnership with us, email us at partnerships@goodwillsp.org.

September is National Workforce Development Month, a time to recognize the power of work to transform lives and strengthen communities.

At Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, workforce development isn’t just a program, it’s our purpose. Every day, we help people see possibilities, seize opportunities and prosper through access to training, coaching and career pathways. This month serves as a reminder of why our mission matters.

As we celebrate the contributions of workforce professionals and the resilience of job seekers, we also reflect on the role Goodwill plays in helping individuals build brighter futures. The following Q&A with our president and CEO, Chris Jackson, offers insight into how we support our team members, invest in their growth and create a workplace rooted in purpose and possibility.

Q: What makes Goodwill a unique place to work, especially for those seeking more than just a job?
A: Goodwill is more than a workplace — it is a launchpad for success. People come here not just to earn a paycheck, but to find purpose, community and opportunity. Whether you’re on the sales floor, in a classroom or behind the scenes, you’re part of something bigger: a mission that transforms lives. That impact is what makes Goodwill truly special.

Q: How does our mission influence the way we support and invest in our team members?
A: Our shared purpose — see possibilities, seize opportunities and prosper — guides everything we do. It means we do not just hire people; we invest in them. We offer coaching, training and wraparound support because we believe every team member deserves the chance to grow, thrive and build a future they are proud of.

Q: What does economic mobility mean at Goodwill, and how do we help our employees achieve it?
A: As an employer, Goodwill is dedicated to fostering economic mobility by providing a supportive work environment where team members can move from surviving to thriving. We prioritize creating pathways to better jobs, higher wages, and long-term stability. Through tuition-free training programs, personalized career coaching, and access to vital resources, we ensure that every team member has the opportunity and support needed to advance in their careers and build a more secure future.

Q: How do our internal training programs and coaching services help team members reach their personal and professional goals?
A: In 2021, we launched Pathways, an internal program that provides one-on-one career coaching to help team members achieve personal and professional goals. Since then, more than 220 team members have achieved at least one goal — whether that be citizenship, financial stability, graduating from college, advancing in the career at Goodwill or at another organization or something else. This resource helps team members set goals, build confidence and navigate life’s challenges.

Q: What do you hope every team member feels when they walk through the doors of Goodwill each day?
A: I hope they feel seen, valued and supported. I hope they know they are part of a community that believes in them and is committed to their success. That no matter their circumstances, the people they work with and the organization they work for has their back.  Every day at Goodwill should feel like a step forward toward purpose, toward growth and toward a future full of promise.

Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), established in 2011 by Dr. Jacqueline Copeland-Carson of Pan-African Women’s Philanthropy Network with recognition by the United Nations, is celebrated globally every August to elevate African-descent giving and funding equity. Since its founding, millions of people and organizations across the globe have celebrated every August as a month of celebration and renewal of giving to and by African-descent communities.

At Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, it’s our mission to build pathways that help people pursue the life they want to achieve through job training and career placement resources. Success isn’t achieved alone, which is why we encourage partnership and collaboration to help our team and the people we serve in achieving their goals. As a nonprofit, we rely on material donations and purchases at our retail stores to fund our mission, in addition to corporate and philanthropic financial contributions.

Chris Jackson, President & CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont and a longtime donor to the organization, shares his perspective on the power of giving – both as a personal commitment and as a catalyst for community transformation.

Q: Why is it important to give?

Chris: “I believe giving is an expression of empathy and shared humanity. It’s how we build bridges across differences, participating in supporting others in our community, and investing in the future we want to see. Giving isn’t about charity – it’s about creating opportunity, fostering dignity, and reinforcing the idea that we are all interconnected. When we give, we affirm that everyone deserves a chance to thrive.”

Q: Why is it important to give to Goodwill?

Chris: “Supporting Goodwill is an investment in a better community for all and in sustainable change. Goodwill’s focus is to create pathways that help people prepare for the life they want to achieve. Every donation supports creating employment opportunities, training, and other programs that help individuals gain the skills needed to be successful. It’s a way to turn generosity into measurable impact here in our community.”

Q: How important is it to be a leader as a Black philanthropist?

Chris: “Representation matters – not just in boardrooms, but in giving circles and community leadership. When Black philanthropists lead, they bring lived experience and a commitment to equity that enriches the philanthropic landscape. It’s about visibility, legacy, and creating pathways for systemic change.”

Q: Where does your sense of community come from?

Chris: “My sense of community is rooted in family values, lived experience, and a deep belief we can all contribute to improving our community. It comes from growing up in environments where I saw the power of people looking out for one another, where opportunity and support led to unlimited potential.”

Q: How can someone’s involvement help others in the community?

Chris: “Community involvement can ignite transformation. It helps build trust, foster collaboration, and drives solutions that are inclusive and lasting. When one person steps up, it inspires others to do the same.  Whether through volunteering, mentoring, donating, or advocating, each act of engagement can create ripples. It helps others feel seen, supported, and empowered.”

—

If you would like to help fund Goodwill’s programs and services that we offer to the community free of charge, consider dropping off your gently used donations at one of our locations or making a financial contribution.

Goodwill is one of the nation’s largest workforce development nonprofits. At Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, we offer tuition-free training programs in high-demand fields like banking, construction and IT and help people in our community find meaningful employment. To achieve this, one of the most valued tools is our relationships with employer partners, who help us to stay informed on what skills new hires need. That’s why we frequently host roundtable discussions with employers in the industry. The goal? To listen, learn and align our training programs with the real-world needs of the industry.

“In order to make our technology classes industry-relevant, we have to go to experts in the field to help make sure training is centered around what employers are looking for out of industry-qualified job candidates,” shared Craig Kalhagen, Business Development Representative at Goodwill. “Roundtables are a great opportunity to hear from multiple industry experts at one time and allow them the opportunity to share their perspective.”

Our most recent IT Roundtable on June 11 featured partners from MSC Industrial, Bank of America, Mindlance and ADI Global. The discussion focused on Goodwill’s Data Analytics Training and included topics such as industry trends, relevant certifications and technical skills, what makes a strong analyst, how candidates can stand out in the interview process, and more.

All of Goodwill’s tuition-free training programs are developed through employer feedback to ensure we’re providing training that is relevant to industry trends. The Goodwill team takes the findings from discussions such as the IT Roundtable and applies them to our future programs, equipping participants with the skills that employers in the industry are seeking. By engaging directly with employers, we ensure our programs are not only relevant but also responsive. These discussions help us build a bridge between training and employment, leading to long-term success for both job seekers and businesses.

“At Goodwill, workforce development goes beyond training,” said Raquel Lynch, Chief Program Officer. “We focus on helping people transform their lives and connect local talent with employers. By partnering with employers and aligning our programs with real industry needs, we’re equipping individuals in our community with the skills and confidence to thrive in meaningful careers. These collaborations ensure our training is not only relevant, but also a powerful tool for economic mobility and long-term success.” 

If your organization is looking for skilled, motivated talent and wants to play a role in shaping the future workforce, we invite you to partner with us. Your insights can help guide our curriculum, your feedback can strengthen our programs, and your opportunities can change lives.

At Goodwill, we envision a community where equitable access to career opportunities is available for all. Thanks to donating and shopping at our 36 retail stores and more than 40 donation sites in the region, we’re able to offer training to participants in the community at no charge.

Employers can get involved in many ways – by joining roundtable discussions, visiting classes as guest speakers, hosting mock interviews, networking, hiring our graduates, or making a financial gift. Connect with Goodwill’s Employer Engagement team to get involved today!