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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? 

How is Goodwill preparing participants for the future of construction? 

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

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

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.”

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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!

At Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, we believe that success isn’t achieved alone. One of our core values is to Build a Village – because when we work together, we go further. That’s why partnerships are at the heart of how we fulfill our mission of building pathways that help people pursue the life they want to achieve.

One of our most exciting recent collaborations has been with DroneDeploy, a company whose mission is to make the skies open and accessible for everyone. Trusted by users across a wide range of industries, DroneDeploy is transforming how businesses collect, manage and interpret drone data. Their user-friendly platform enables companies of all sizes to improve workflows through scalable image processing, data storage and real-time shareable drone maps and 3D models.

The company partnered with Goodwill to support our Construction & Trade Skills training program by providing access to their software. This partnership allowed us to launch a Drone Pilot training program – equipping participants with in-demand skills and preparing them for careers in the growing drone industry.

Dr. Taurean Walker, the instructor who led Goodwill’s Drone Pilot training program, saw firsthand how the integration of DroneDeploy’s technology elevated the learning experience for students.

“Coupled with classroom instruction, the students were able to experience how DroneDeploy’s software can be a useful tool for industrial application,” Dr. Walker shared. “DroneDeploy offers a simplistic platform where students are able to learn first-hand how to use one of the quintessential mapping programs on the market.”

While the Drone Pilot program is no longer active at Goodwill, its impact continues to be felt through the success stories of participants like Charles, who gained valuable skills and career momentum through this opportunity. After being furloughed from his job, Charles decided to invest in himself. He started his own production company and purchased a drone, but quickly realized he needed the proper licensing to take on commercial clients. That’s where Goodwill came in.

“The program is very beneficial because it’s not only about flying the drone and passing the class, but about all the career paths you can take with it,” Charles shared. “We got the privilege to meet people in the industry and learn what they were doing with drones and what they were looking for when it comes to employees.”

Thanks to the training and the tools provided through our partnership with DroneDeploy, Charles is now on a path to long-term success in a field he’s passionate about. This is what happens when missions align. When organizations come together to build a village, real lives are changed.

Special thanks to the DroneDeploy for believing in the vision that all people deserve to see possibilities, seize opportunities and prosper!

Today, Nathan Tillman is thriving in his role as a Donation Material Handler at Goodwill in Weddington, thanks to Support, Opportunity, Advocacy, and Results – better known as SOAR Vocational Solutions, Inc. 

“They wanted to make sure that I get to where I need to be without any hesitations,” Nathan said. 

Founded by DiMetria Williams and LaTonya Burgess in January 2025, S.O.A.R. helps individuals with disabilities gain and maintain meaningful employment. 

“Oftentimes, people in the disabled community are overlooked when it comes to opportunities, and so we are their voice outside of their parents,” LaTonya emphasized. “That’s where we step in, helping to fill out applications, making sure that they are well versed when it comes to being able to interview, helping them in that interview process to be comfortable and actually training with them on the job so that they are successful when we step away from our job training services with them.”

With over 35 years of combined experience, this dynamic duo is dedicated to empowering individuals like Nathan to gain greater independence through supported employment and job coaching. Their organization also aims to challenge and reduce the stigma surrounding disabilities, promoting a more inclusive and understanding community.  

“We’re also in the process of trying to educate employers that disabilities can look like anything, even [some] health conditions,” DiMetria explained. “They may require additional support or reasonable accommodation, but they are capable of working.”

Much like career navigators assigned to coach and guide participants at Goodwill, S.O.A.R. will continue to check in with Nathan, because it’s not just about landing the job – it’s about maintaining employment and providing stability. 

“What we consider a successful completion for him would be 90 days on his job,” DiMetria explained. “Just as any job where you are expected to have 90 days with no incidents, it’s the same criteria, but we stick with Nathan doing check-ins with him and the employer up to a year.”

For Nathan, S.O.A.R. became more than just job support – it was a guiding force. 

“They were like my biggest supporter ever, and I’m very appreciative of S.O.A.R.,” Nathan shared. “They are very dependable. They’re willing to stand by you and do right by you and never steer you in the wrong direction.”

S.O.A.R. has started with services in Union County but plans to expand. As LaTonya put it: 

“We are looking forward to more partnerships with Goodwill stores.” 

And Tillman? He’s living proof of Goodwill’s purpose – to help people see possibilities, seize opportunities and prosper. 

“It feels pretty nice, honestly. I’ve heard a lot of good things about Goodwill and how they help people even at their lowest – and that to me is remarkable.” 

WE’RE BACK!

We’re excited to announce that we’re officially back and accepting donations in Myers Park – and this time, we’re here for good!

You might remember our donation trailer that once stood in the neighborhood. Now, we’re proud to announce the opening of our very first brick-and-mortar donation drop-off location, right here in Myers Park at 813 Providence Road. Hours of operation are Monday – Saturday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

We’re looking forward to reconnecting with our neighbors and continue making it easier to give back!

DONATE GRAND OPENING WEEKEND & ENTER TO WIN

Our official ribbon cutting and grand opening will be on Thursday, June 5. To celebrate, anyone who donates during grand opening weekend – between Thursday, June 5 and Sunday, June 8 – will be entered to win a $100 gift card to Salted Melon, our new next door neighbor.

DECLUTTER WITH PURPOSE

And remember, your donations do more than clear out your closet. They create real opportunities for people in our community to build a better future for themselves and their families!

The revenue we generate from selling donated items fuels our mission, enabling us to offer career training programs, job search support services and more at no cost to thousands of people each year, including our very own team members. Drop off your things and spark someone else’s next chapter!

Learn more about what we accept here, and find a list of all of our donation drop-offs and retail stores here.

At Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, we believe everyone deserves to feel seen, valued and supported at work and in the world.

This Pride month, we’re celebrating the strength, joy and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community, especially in the workplace. We know that creating a place where everyone can thrive takes more than good intentions. It requires honest conversations, active listening and a commitment to breaking down barriers that still exist for too many.

We’re committed to creating a community rooted in belonging for our LGBTQ+ team members, neighbors and community – not just in June, but all year long.

Let’s keep building a community where everyone belongs and has access to opportunities that help them grow and succeed.

To learn more about how you can create an inclusive workplace, check out our past blogs:

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.