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.
