Phillip didn’t come to Goodwill expecting to find his long-term career. He started as a Donation Material Handler to attain additional income while working as a peer support specialist. What he found instead was an opportunity that brought his experience, passion for helping others, and professional goals together through Goodwill’s Pathways program, an internal coaching program designed to help team members achieve personal and professional goals.
During his time working in Goodwill’s retail stores, Phillip built strong relationships with team members and leaders, who quickly recognized his work ethic and reliability.
“I told them about my background, and when an opportunity to work in the Pathways program opened, several people put in good words for me. When I interviewed, they saw my background and education, and I was hired,” he shared.
Within a few months, Phillip was able to join the Pathways team. He has now been a member of the Pathways team for two years.
As a Pathways Career Navigator, Phillip works one-on-one with team members to help them identify goals, access resources and stay accountable as they work toward growth. One of the most rewarding parts of his role is watching participants recognize their own progress.
“It makes me feel great,” he said. “Seeing them accomplish the goals they set and seeing them flourish; it helps me keep going to help other people.”
The Pathways program fills a critical gap for Goodwill team members by providing an added layer of support to help them reach their goals, whether they are personal or professional.
“You can’t do everything on your own,” he said. “Everybody needs support, and everybody needs accountability. Pathways is here to help you grow professionally and personally, whatever your goals may be.”
The support that Goodwill offers through the Pathways program is to help team members grow, and the organization is okay if that means team members move on – it’s even celebrated!
“I think that speaks to Goodwill’s character,” Phillip said. “We understand this may not be forever, but we’re here to support you while you’re here. At Goodwill, you’ll be supported whether you stay here and grow, or move on. You’ll leave feeling like you got everything you needed, and knowing Goodwill supported you the whole time.”
Programs like Pathways demonstrate Goodwill’s mission of building pathways that help people pursue the life they want to achieve. These programs are made possible by donating and shopping at our 36 retail stores and more than 40 donation centers, along with philanthropic donations. To learn more about the Pathways program and how Goodwill is helping its team members prosper, click here.
