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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.

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.