Teneia “Ten” Howie came to Goodwill looking for a new direction. She was working constantly at American Airlines to keep up with her bills and couldn’t enjoy any free time.  

“I realized that even though I worked for this company, I couldn’t afford to travel,” she said. “I could fly for free, but I had to work all the time, so I didn’t have time or money to take advantage of it.”

“I was getting bored and miserable. My cousin does HVAC, and he told me to look into trade schools. I did a quick Google search, found Goodwill’s site, and signed up for an information session,” she shared. From there, Ten enrolled in Goodwill’s tuition-free Construction Basics and HVAC training programs.

Along with tuition-free training programs, one of the benefits that Goodwill participants receive is one-on-one coaching with a Career Navigator. Ten’s Career Navigator Verona helped her gain confidence and prepare for her career. 

My Career Navigator was absolutely incredible,” Ten shared. “If she wasn’t there, I wouldn’t have gotten the amount of confidence I have; and my ability to be prepared and confident for interviews. She saw things in me that I didn’t see in myself at the time, and she helped me make a resume that matched.”

Before graduating from the program, Ten was able to secure a position as an Apprentice at Charlotte Water. In the apprenticeship program, Ten will complete a year of training to become a Utilities Technician.  

“I was born and raised in Charlotte, so I always wanted to get a job working for the city,” she said. “I told Verona that’s what I wanted to do, and she strategically worked with me to get ready for interviews with them.” 

Because Goodwill’s training programs are offered at no cost, Ten was able to focus fully on her learning without worrying about taking on debt or juggling school payments on top of living expenses. She was then able to find a secure job with a raise in pay and benefits.  

“I feel lighter. I’m now making more money, and I put myself in a better financial position,” she said. “It meant a lot that I was able to put myself in a better position and not lose anything financially. It takes the stress off of you. It made me want to go harder. I was like, ‘I’m not failing a test. I’m not missing homework; I’m not missing class;’ and that’s what I did.” 

March 1-7 is Women in Construction Week, and Ten is proud to be the only woman in both her HVAC class and her apprenticeship – something that empowers her to show that women belong in skilled trades just as much as anyone else.  

“It shows the world I can do anything that guys can. There really is not much of a difference, except for height,” she laughed. 

If you would like to help people like Ten on their pathway to prosperity, consider supporting Goodwill by making a financial contribution or shopping and donating at one of our retail and donation locations.

For Gastonia resident Tameika Tate, Goodwill wasn’t just a resource. It became a lifeline during one of the hardest chapters of her life.

In early 2024, Tameika found herself facing eviction. At the time, she had a remote job and ended up losing it due to having unreliable internet connection.

“I’ve used Goodwill’s services many times when I was job searching,” she said. “When I fell on hard times, I remembered Vicki Powe and how helpful she was. I went to Goodwill, and I had all my clothes in the back of my car.” 

She walked into Goodwill’s Gastonia Career & Employment Center looking for help, and she found opportunity. The Goodwill team told her about a job fair happening that same day and helped her obtain interview clothing. From there, Tameika attended the job fair and received a job at Spectrum.

“I love giving back to the community – I guess that’s why I was so drawn to going to Goodwill. Every time something happened, I knew I could go there and get some help,” she said. “I knew that I was going to see a familiar face, and it was a judgement-free zone. It was a safe hub for me.”

From there, Tameika was able to rebuild her life piece by piece: securing housing, regaining stability, and eventually launching Prestige Lab Services, a healthcare and testing company. Her business is now located on Main Street in Gastonia.  

“It’s surreal,” she said. “I feel blessed — and now it’s time to pay it forward.” She hopes that she can be an employer partner with Goodwill to help build her staff.  

Goodwill has Career & Employment Centers in Charlotte and Gastonia. The convenience of visiting our Gastonia location was immensely helpful for Tameika to receive services.  

“I didn’t have to try to find a ride to get assistance. If I had to, I probably would have given up. I pray there’s a Goodwill like this everywhere so people can get the accessible help I did.”

Goodwill’s services are offered free of charge, thanks to shopping and donating at our 36 stores and more than 40 donation drop-off locations. Taking advantage of this opportunity free of charge made all the difference for Tameika.  

“Imagine going through hardships and then having to pay for services,” she said. “Goodwill is one place where money doesn’t matter. I’m so thankful.”

If you’d like to contribute to helping people like Tameika see possibilities, seize opportunities, and prosper, consider shopping, donating, or contributing financially to our mission.

Acey Cotton Jr. is a college graduate who found himself seeking support to build a stable career with long-term opportunities.

While in college, Acey ended up becoming homeless during his junior year due to not having enough financial aid for housing. He got a job, saved money, and found housing for his senior year, then graduated from Benedict College with a degree in Mass Communication.

Now back in Charlotte, he found himself working odd jobs that weren’t in his degree field, without a real destination for moving forward.

“I was working mediocre jobs, like for a storage company. I was a delivery driver for a paint company. I was trying to find jobs just to get by,” he stated.

His grandmother suggested he check out Goodwill’s Construction & Trade Skills training program, which happened to be located across the street from the high school he attended. Acey then enrolled in Goodwill’s tuition-free Construction Basics and Electrical training programs.

“I feel honored to be selected to be a part of the program,” he said. “It was difficult; sparing your days after work, trying to learn things that you’re not familiar with. It was a real sacrifice, but I enjoyed it because it gave me a reason to keep studying.”

One of the benefits that Goodwill training program participants receive is one-on-one coaching with a Career Navigator. Acey’s Career Navigator Verona helped him prepare for interviews and beyond.

“Verona gave me every opportunity to learn about the benefits I could get from the Goodwill program,” he said. “She helped me strengthen my ability to communicate and talk in front of an employer. She gave me vouchers to go to Goodwill if I needed interview clothes. She looked out for me, and I’m forever thankful for her.”

Today Acey works as a Utility Locator at USIC, a job he received before he finished the training program at Goodwill. There, he visits sites to locate utilities underground and marks the area. 

Training programs like the one Acey took are offered free of charge to the community, thanks to shopping and donating at our retail stores and donation locations, along with financial contributions from community and corporate donations. Donations like these helped propel Acey to prosperity.

“This was a blessing. I’m stuck in student debt, so to be a part of a program that was free of charge, and I got good experience and learning tools; that’s a prized opportunity.”

Acey hopes donors understand the impact of their support.

“You should donate to this program because it’s changing people’s lives,” he said. “These are opportunities that would change someone who doesn’t have a direction in life. Most companies need a construction worker; need an electrical person; need HVAC and carpentry to operate. You should invest into the future.”

Acey loves to share his story. “I’ve come a long way. My sacrifice can be a story that I could share with someone else. You can get through whatever you’re facing in life; you just have to persevere through it,” he said.

If you would like to help people like Acey on their journey to a brighter future, consider supporting Goodwill by making a financial contribution or shopping and donating at one of our retail and donation locations.

Armonte Massey was ready for a change. For several years, he worked in physically demanding jobs, but he wanted a career that offered stability and growth. He was interested in construction, but without experience in the trades, breaking into the industry felt out of reach. 

“I applied for construction jobs, but I didn’t have the experience,” he said.  

Goodwill provided the opportunity he needed. 

Armonte enrolled in Goodwill’s Construction Basics and HVAC training programs, crediting the flexible evening schedule, the networking opportunities and the instruction as key factors in his experience.  

During the training programs, Goodwill’s Employer Engagement team helps connect participants to job opportunities, including job fairs and hiring events. This support led to Armonte’s employment opportunity with Charlotte Water.   

“Goodwill had different job opportunities, and they had different employers come and talk to us. 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,] I went to a hiring event. I told them I was a Goodwill participant, and I guess that made me stand out.”  

Goodwill’s tuition-free Construction and Trade Skills training program offers not only instruction, but wraparound services to all participants. This includes one-on-one support from a Career Navigator. Armonte’s Career Navigator helped with resume building and mock interviews, preparing him for real-world opportunities. 

“I felt prepared because of Goodwill. They had mock interviews, so it prepared me for the interview with Charlotte Water,” he said.   

Armonte started in Charlotte Water’s apprenticeship program, gaining hands-on experience and earning certifications. Today, he’s a Utility Technician I, driving dump trucks, operating excavators and planning to pursue additional certifications to advance his career.  

“I’ve learned so much. Every day is different, and it’s always exciting,” he said. “I’m grateful for the experience.” 

If you would like to help fund Goodwill’s services that empower thousands of community members and Goodwill team members each year, consider making a financial contribution, or dropping off your gently used donations at one of our 36 stores or more than 40 donation drop-off locations.

After two decades in corporate retail, Jill McClure knew it was time for a change when she was no longer being challenged. What she didn’t expect was that her next chapter would begin with a simple online search and lead her to Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont. 

“I wasn’t willing to go back to school full-time and spend thousands of dollars,” Jill recalled. “I started looking for free classes, and Goodwill just came up.”

Initially hesitant because she thought the program might not be meant for someone with a full-time job, Jill quickly learned about Goodwill’s tuition-free training programs.

“I told the woman I spoke to, ‘I don’t need free help,’ but she explained that I qualified. So, I enrolled.” 

Jill chose one of our former Advanced IT training programs, drawn to the subject because she was already dabbling in analytics at work. But what surprised her most wasn’t the curriculum; it was the wraparound services offered to all participants by the nonprofit.

“The Goodwill team helped me get interviews, gave me advice, encouraged me, and made sure I was portraying myself correctly to employers,” she said. 

In addition to learning new skills in the classroom, participants in Goodwill’s training programs are offered wraparound services that include working with a Career Navigator and an Employer Engagement Specialist. Together, they help participants perfect their resumes, prepare for interviews, and connect with hiring employers so they can land the job. 

That support made all the difference. Today, Jill is a senior category development analyst. 

“It’s a much different environment than where I came from. The people are fabulous, the work-life balance is great, and everyone is so helpful,” she explained. 

Jill’s story is a testament to the power of Goodwill’s mission: building pathways to help people pursue the life they want to achieve. Through tuition-free training and wraparound services, Goodwill empowers people in the greater Charlotte region to take the next step in their careers. 

Although training programs only span 8 to 12 weeks depending on the program, the environment helps participants thrive and prepares them for future careers in the industries they’re studying. 

“I learned about new cultures, worked on team projects, and even helped others who weren’t as strong in Excel. That sense of community was amazing.” 

She also remembers a guest speaker who left a lasting impression. 

“She said you should never make less than what you were making when you change jobs. That really stuck with me.” 

Now, Jill is thriving—and she’s paying it forward. 

“Knowing Goodwill’s mission makes me want to share what I have. Doing this interview is my way of returning the favor.” 

Her advice to others considering the program: 

“It’s a commitment. You have to be on time, you have to show up. But it’s worth it. I’m better off because I stuck it out.” 

Training programs like the one Jill took are available free of charge to the community, thanks to shopping and donating at Goodwill’s 36 retail locations and more than 40 donation sites, in addition to corporate, community and philanthropic donations. 

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

When Courtney decided it was time to return to the workforce, she wasn’t sure where to begin. A stay-at-home mom with a passion for technology, she began searching online for training programs that could help her break into the IT field. 

“Most of what I found was geared toward recent high school graduates,” she said. “I was almost ready to give up—until I came across an article about Goodwill’s IT programs.” 

That discovery led Courtney to enroll in Goodwill’s former tuition-free IT Support Specialist training program, where participants learn about hardware, operating systems, networking, mobile devices, security, troubleshooting, virtualization and cloud computing. 

What she found was more than just technical instruction—it was a transformative experience. 

“I thought I’d just be learning about computers and electronics,” she said. “But I gained so much more—interviewing skills, customer service techniques and soft skills I didn’t even realize I needed. It really prepared me for the professional world.”

Today, Courtney works as a content support technician for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, managing all the technology at an elementary school. From Chromebooks and iPads to Promethean boards, she ensures that both students and teachers have the tools they need to succeed. She also creates digital content for the school’s website and signage, blending her technical skills with creativity. 

“I love what I do,” she said. “This job has brought stability and purpose to my life.”

When taking one of Goodwill’s tuition-free training programs, participants also receive wraparound support services free of charge, including help with resumes, interviews and job placement. With the guidance of her career navigator, Nakia Antley, and employer engagement specialist, Craig Kalhagen, Courtney refined her resume, practiced her elevator pitch and built the confidence to pursue a career she truly wanted. 

“Nakia always brought positive energy and helped me push through moments of self-doubt,” she said. “And Craig didn’t just send me job leads. He found opportunities that matched what I was passionate about. I wouldn’t be where I am without him.”

Courtney’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact Goodwill’s programs can have. 

“Some programs overcharge and don’t offer nearly as much support as Goodwill,” she said. “Anywhere I go, I tell people—if you want a career change, look into Goodwill. They’ll give you the tools, the support and the belief that you can do it.” 

Thanks to donations and shopping at Goodwill’s retail stores, as well as financial support, training programs like the one Courtney completed are offered free of charge to the community. 

If you’d like to help fund tuition-free courses that support people like Courtney on their pathway to prosperity, drop off your gently used donations at one of our 36 retail stores or more than 40 donation locations, or take your impact even further by making a financial contribution today. 

Michael had experience in the construction field – but for him, the journey to a more focused and fulfilling career started with a desire to specialize.

“I was working a handyman job, doing a little bit of everything,” he said. “And I wanted to take my skills and focus them.”

Michael learned about Goodwill’s tuition-free Construction and Trade Skills training program through his therapist and quickly signed up, beginning with the Construction Basics program and moving into the Electrical training program.

“I like to learn new things. It was a little bit intimidating, but exciting at the same time,” he emphasized. “I was excited to go to class. It helped me get out and talk to new people and network.”

Goodwill participants receive wraparound services to help them on their pathway to prosperity. Two of the most valued tools are a Career Navigator that works with participants one-on-one to achieve their goals, and an Employer Engagement Specialist who helps connect them with meaningful jobs. The team, and especially his Career Navigator, Verona, played a key role in helping Michael navigate the process of preparing for employment.

“She helped me a lot, and the relationship was good from the get-go,” Michael said about Verona. “That process was pretty much seamless.”

Before he completed the program, an opportunity opened up to work at Goodwill, and Michael accepted a job offer as a Facilities Technician at our Goodwill Opportunity Campus.

“I like the variety because it’s never the same job. I also like the camaraderie. Everybody’s nice and friendly,” he stated.

Since joining the organization as a team member, his understanding of Goodwill’s mission has deepened.

“I didn’t understand fully before what Goodwill was about,” he said. “Now that I do, it makes me feel like a better person.”

And at Goodwill, our mission starts at home. In addition to serving the community, we’re committed to supporting our own team members. Through programs and supports like personalized career coaching, professional development, tuition reimbursement, basic needs assistance and more, we aim to create opportunities for our team members to grow their careers and achieve more for themselves and their families, whether that future is with Goodwill or beyond.

Goodwill’s services offered to both the community and team members are made possible thanks to financial contributions from donors and shopping and donating at our 36 retail stores and donation drop-off locations. For Michael, the personal investment was worth it for the opportunity that followed.

“The training is free, but it cost my time and effort,” he said. “The opportunities that follow are amazing. It might seem simple, but it’ll take you somewhere nice.”

If you would like to help participants like Michael on their pathway to prosperity, consider making a financial contribution, or dropping off your gently used donations at one of our 36 stores or more than 40 donation drop-off locations.

John Doctor had been working various jobs throughout the years, unsure of what direction he wanted to take. What he did know was that he enjoyed working with his hands and being outside. Ultimately, he was looking for a change.  

“I was trying to find my thing – something more fulfilling,” he said. “I didn’t want to clock in and sit at a desk all day. I wanted to find something that not only fits my personality, but would also allow me to feed my family and take care of myself so I could enjoy waking up every day.” 

After doing some carpentry at his job, he searched online for carpentry classes and found Goodwill’s tuition-free training courses. He signed up for the Construction Basics and Carpentry training programs.  

“It was a good class,” he said. “Very informative. It gave me the basic knowledge and information I needed. You learn measurements and understanding the ins and outs of how construction and carpentry work.”  

Goodwill participants receive wraparound services to help them on their pathways to prosperity. Two of the most valued tools are a Career Navigator that works with participants one-on-one to achieve their goals, and an Employer Engagement Team who helps them find jobs. John worked with Robert Perry and Matt Robson to achieve his goals. 

“Mr. Perry was on top of resume building and mock interviews. Matt would find different jobs – he’d send me three or four jobs every day,” he said. “Everyone in the building, you can tell they care, and they really want to help people.” 

John now works as an installer for West Shore Home, where he installs bathrooms, showers and flooring, and is training in windows and doors. He enjoys the variety and hands-on work and looks forward to growing with the company. 

“I love that I do something different every single day, and it’s a new challenge every single day. That fits my personality,” he said.  

For John, the fact that Goodwill’s program was tuition-free made all the difference for him. 

“The free training course allowed me to figure out where I wanted to go without putting up thousands of dollars,” he said. “I found several other programs that were as much as $5,000, and nowhere near as detailed. You still have to commit your time, but the least I could do was show up and show out.”

“This program gave me another skill; it gave me a trade. The more you can learn, the more people will need you. This enhanced my personal portfolio.”  

If you would like to help people like John on their pathway to prosperity, consider making a financial contribution, or dropping off your gently used donations at one of our 36 stores or donation drop-offs.

After spending 13 years at the same company, Boris Kaderkulof never imagined he’d find himself suddenly laid off. He had built a career in IT, but as he began searching for a new job, he quickly realized the industry had evolved. Younger candidates with modern skills and updated resumes filled the hiring pool, making his search more challenging. 

Feeling the need to sharpen his expertise and adapt to the shifting job landscape, Boris learned about Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont’s tuition-free training programs through a friend. He saw an opportunity to enhance his skills and boost his chances in the job market. 

“I saw that the program had a strong database component, which interested me, but what really caught my attention was the chance to learn Python,” Boris said. “I had always wanted to get into programming but never had the opportunity. Learning Python was a priority for me, and this program helped me get started.”

During his time in the program, Boris worked with Career Navigators and Employer Engagement Specialists like David Washam and Craig Kalhagen, who provided critical support in resume building, interview preparation and job search strategies. These additional wraparound services, provided free of charge, help participants in their job search. 

“That guidance was really important,” Boris said. “After not job searching for over a decade, the process had completely changed. Craig was incredibly invested in helping me find the right opportunity—he went above and beyond.” 

With the new skills and confidence he gained through Goodwill’s training program, Boris secured a position at Atrium Health as an application engineer. In his new role, he ensures seamless connectivity across Atrium Health’s offices, supports remote employees and plays an integral part in building the network infrastructure for the new Atrium Health hospital in Cornelius. 

“They trusted me with this major project right away,” Boris said. “Getting to build everything from scratch and work on something of this scale has been an incredible opportunity.” 

Beyond newfound career stability, Boris has gained a renewed sense of confidence in his abilities and professional future. The stability of his new job has brought security to his family—his wife and two daughters—while allowing him to thrive in his field. 

“I feel so grateful,” Boris said. “I had never even heard of programs like this before, and knowing that Goodwill offers these opportunities because of donations and community support—it really makes a difference. This program gave me the foundation I needed to advance my career.” 

Thanks to generous donations and shopping at Goodwill’s 36 retail stores and more than 40 donation sites, tuition-free training programs like the one Boris completed continue to impact lives across the Charlotte region. If you or someone you know would like to support these programs and help more people build a pathway to prosperity, consider donating gently used items or making a financial contribution. 

“I fix things. People are happy,” says Austin Fongemie, a Facilities Technician at Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, who was hired in November after completing tuition-free construction & trade training programs at the Goodwill Construction Skills Training Center.  

“I knew that Goodwill was offering these trade classes. I was working with somebody that was in the field of HVAC as his assistant, but I needed the training,” he said.  

Austin enrolled in Goodwill’s tuition-free Construction Basics and HVAC training programs. After his experience with Goodwill’s programs, his wife Jessica signed up to participate in the BankWork$ banking training program.  

While taking training courses through Goodwill, participants have access to wraparound services, such as Career Navigators and an Employer Engagement Team who help them get ready to enter the workforce. Goodwill’s team found the perfect opening for him – as a fellow team member!  

“They were already raving about me to Paul [the manager] beforehand. They said, ‘We’ve got the perfect guy for you.’ They had me pull up the application and do it right then,” he laughed.  

Now working as a Facilities Technician, Austin is happier and in a stable position, which has positively impacted his family.  

“We’re not stressed about money as much, which is nice. We have jobs with normal hours, so we can interact with each other and our child,” Austin shared. They hope to be able to buy a house in the future.  

Tuition-free programs like the ones Austin and his wife Jessica took are made possible by donations and purchases made at Goodwill’s retail stores and drop-off locations and financial contributions from donors. 

“I could just focus on the fact that I still need to pay my bills, or I can go to this class, and they’re going to give me some new skills, they’re going to help me with my resume, and they’re going to help me get a job by the time all this is done,” he said. 

Reflecting on his journey from a participant to a team member, Austin feels good about contributing to Goodwill’s mission. “I like the organization. I like our goals. If I can help, I will. Let’s keep doing this thing,” he said. 

If you would like to help fund tuition-free training programs that help people like Austin on their pathway to prosperity, drop off your gently used donations at one of our 36 retail stores or donation locations, or make a financial contribution.