GOODWILL JOURNEYS
Year after year, thousands of people are served by Goodwill’s programs of service.
Meet some of the folks who are proud to share how Goodwill helped them overcome barriers and find a path to a better future.
Goodwill supported Brian’s recovery from adversity.
When Brian experienced a thrombotic stroke, he faced neurological and physical disabilities that affected his ability to work. Eager to learn new skills and support himself, he nevertheless enrolled in a Goodwill program to assess his readiness. The exercise instilled a sense of confidence that supports his goal to someday work at the library. Read his story.
Goodwill equipped Katrina to thrive in retail.
Katrina, whose cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities posed potential employment challenges, was eager to explore opportunities in retail when she was referred to Goodwill’s Community Based Training program. Accommodating Katrina’s unique needs, her Goodwill trainer assessed that with the right training, she could successfully work independently. As she charts her career path, Katrina’s newly acquired retail skills will be indispensable. Read her story.
Goodwill accelerated Daniel’s truck driving career.
When Daniel lost his job in the medical field, he saw a new career path: driving a semi. A friend recommended he visit a Goodwill Career Center for assistance. There a Goodwill career coach supported him with transportation, clothing, and tuition to Southwest Truck Training School. Upon receiving his Commercial Driver License certification, Daniel was hired by Swift Trucking. Read his story.
Goodwill lifted Michael to new heights.
Michael was unemployed and feeling “emotionally stuck and useless” when his mother, a veteran career coach at Goodwill, suggested that he meet with the Goodwill team. The at-risk young man soon enrolled in Goodwill’s Stagehand Training program, which led him to employment in the events industry within two weeks. Now, he says his dream is to “become a rigger and provide for my family.” Read his story.
Goodwill prepared Ashley for her very first job.
Ashley’s developmental disability makes reading, focusing, and socializing a challenge, complicating her search for employment. Fortunately, a 20-day retail assessment through Goodwill’s Community Based Training program determined that, with the right training, Ashley is more than able to work independently. With new skills and newfound confidence, she plans to seek employment as a stocking clerk at Walmart. Read her story.
Goodwill offered Javier a place to shine.
Javier had been let go by his previous employer and was looking for work experience when he came to Goodwill. A retail and janitorial assessment promised to gauge how to make the most of his developmental disability. Through 20 days of training, he shined as a greeter and gained skills that prepared him for a career in customer service. He now hopes to work as a greeter at Walmart. Read his story.
Goodwill led Imani to a new life stage.
Imani was unemployed and nearly homeless when he came to Goodwill. Knowing his barriers to employment were steep, he enrolled in the Stagehand Training program and received Goodwill’s help covering essential costs along the way. Shortly after completing the program, he was hired by Rhino Staging and says his career prospects are “even better than I can imagine.” Read his story.
Goodwill elevated Debra’s essential life skills.
Debra, a 68-year-old woman with short-term memory loss and functional limitations, struggled with performing daily living tasks. She was referred to Goodwill’s Skills to Enable Personal Success (STEPS) program, where she received supervised coaching to assess her skills in a retail setting and improve her functional abilities. Upon completing the 20-day assessment program, Debra has been able to apply her newfound skills to daily living. Read her story.
Goodwill prepared Danika for meaningful employment.
When she first came to Goodwill, Danika, a single mother with a disability, was unemployed and homeless following an eviction. Through two work assessment training stints, she and her Goodwill trainer affirmed her readiness for employment. Extensive one-on-one support helped prepare Danika to gain meaningful employment—and support her son—with confidence. Read her story.
Goodwill helped Gavin work with confidence.
As a young man with a learning disability, Gavin struggled with stress, and his inability to find work added to his anxiety. Hoping to overcome his challenges and gain self-confidence, he was referred to Goodwill’s Community Based Training (CBT) program. One-on-one support and guidance unearthed his ability to work independently, giving Gavin the hope and self-assurance he needed to enter the workforce with confidence. Read his story.
Anita’s career journey begins.
Goodwill’s CNA Training program opened the door to Anita’s future. “We all have to do better and make a difference in the world.” Watch her video.
Scott aims to give back.
Goodwill’s CNA Training program gave Scott new purpose. “My goal is to improve not only my situation, but being able to help those that are otherwise forgotten about.” Watch his video.
Goodwill gave Leah the tools to change course.
Leah was feeling frustrated in her career when she saw a morning news segment about Goodwill career services. At Goodwill she received one-on-one career coaching to prepare for a midlife career transition into the healthcare field. With Goodwill’s financial support, she completed the Medical Assistant Training program, now works in the field, and looks forward to becoming a certified clinical medical assistant. Read her story.
Goodwill unlocked Maddy’s full potential.
When Maddy learned about Goodwill’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program on the morning news, it felt like a sign. After enrolling in the program, her Goodwill career coach supported her through homelessness, food insecurity, and self-doubt. After earning her CNA license, she secured employment with a major health provider, is living the life of her dreams, and plans to become a registered nurse. Read her story.
Goodwill helped Alexandra break through barriers.
Alexandra wanted to pursue a career in healthcare but was discouraged by certification requirements that were out of reach due to financial and logistical barriers. That all changed when a loved one recommended Goodwill’s Medical Assistant (MA) education program. She immediately enrolled and now looks forward to the career of her dreams. Read her story.
Goodwill empowered Jasmine to transform her life.
A mother of three children, Jasmine was struggling with depression and living paycheck to paycheck. Determined to establish a stable career, her research led her to Goodwill’s Medical Assistant Training Program. After only 90 days of training, she was able to provide for her family as an employee of a leading health provider, with plans to become a clinical social worker supporting women like herself. Read her story.
Goodwill led Jacqueline to a career rebirth.
Following a serious motor vehicle accident, 76-year-old Jacqueline was unsure of what the future held for her. Eager to return to the workforce, she participated in Goodwill’s Community Based Training (CBT) program to prepare for a retail career. Despite chronic pain and partial paralysis, determined Jaqueline earned a recommendation for employment. She hopes to work with other people living with disabilities. Read her story.
Goodwill supported Trent’s unique abilities.
After a challenging work readiness assessment, Trent found retail wasn’t the right fit for his abilities. Determined to find his professional niche, the 20-year-old enrolled in Goodwill’s Summer Education Experience, where he honed his work skills. A full-time opportunity in the Goodwill warehouse turned out to be a perfect match for his unique talents. Read his story.
Goodwill brought out Taylor’s unique talents.
Taylor, a 25-year-old with autism, was eager to join the workforce, but struggled to find her niche. Through Goodwill’s Community Based Training (CBT) program, Taylor discovered her natural aptitude for retail stocking and sorting. Upon completing CBT, Taylor was highly recommended for job placement and quickly secured employment as a department store sales associate. Read her story.
Goodwill set the stage for Chris’s new career.
Unemployed and homeless, Chris took the initiative to learn about Goodwill’s free career services. A career coach helped him enroll in their Stagehand Training program, which within two weeks led to work in the events and entertainment industry. Through Goodwill’s support, Chris found a stable career and new hope for the future. Read his story.
Goodwill supported Jocelin’s path to a dream career.
Jocelin was eager to provide for her child and enter the medical field as a certified nursing assistant, but the cost of CNA training felt like an insurmountable barrier. Thanks to Goodwill’s financial assistance, she earned her CNA license and secure employment at an acute care hospital—a first step toward a long and fulfilling career as a medical professional. Read her story.
Goodwill helped Andrae follow his heart.
After leaving college early to care for his mother, Andrae discovered his passion for caregiving. Meager pay and unsupportive supervisors made his first job in the healthcare field unfulfilling. After enrolling in Goodwill’s CNA training program, Andrae was hired by a local hospital, joined a “dream team,” and doubled his income. He is now working to become a certified rehabilitation nurse. Read his story.
Goodwill instilled Caroline with confidence.
Nineteen-year-old Caroline was excited to gain retail experience when she was referred to Goodwill’s Community Based Training program. During her training, Caroline, who is deaf, went above and beyond to help her coworkers and master the ins and outs of retail. With her positive attitude and eagerness to learn, she was able to pass her assessment with ease, instilling confidence for the future. Read her story.
Goodwill jump-started Jezai’s plan for career traction.
Even with a bachelor’s degree, Jezai struggled for two years to gain a foothold in her field. Research made it clear that becoming a professional truck driver could give her the experience she needed to get career traction. Needing help with training costs, Jezai enlisted a Goodwill career coach, who secured tuition funding. Upon completion of training, Jezai was immediately offered employment with a local trucking company. Read her story.
Goodwill empowered Cody to transform his life.
Cody’s life had been derailed by homelessness, incarceration, and substance abuse when he came to Goodwill’s Career Center. Cody took advantage of Goodwill’s many resources, including financial literacy, self-advocacy, resume, and job interview workshops. With Goodwill clothes to impress potential employers, he was hired as a chef at an Alaskan seafood company. Read his story.
Goodwill helped Michael secure his family’s future.
Michael was struggling to make ends meet for his family of four. Seeking financial stability for his family, he set his sights on joining NV Energy as an electrical lineman. When the required training proved prohibitively expensive, Goodwill ensured that Michael had the tuition assistance he needed to enroll in the first of three certifications. Read his story.
Goodwill readied Caulin for the job market.
Caulin, a budding artist, sought employment to support himself while attending school. To improve his job prospects, Caulin decided to sharpen his social skills by learning the ins and outs of customer service. Though interacting with customers was daunting at first, training in Goodwill’s warehouse gave Caulin the confidence he needed to enter the job market and support his studies. Read his story.
Goodwill rerouted Aaron to a stable career.
Aaron was homeless, living in his car, and struggling to make ends meet when he came to Goodwill for support. There he was able to secure the tuition assistance he needed to train for and earn his commercial driver’s license. Shortly after graduating, he found stable employment as a long-haul truck driver, and can finally save enough to find permanent housing of his own. Read his story.
Goodwill got Tiffany back on track.
Tiffany was an unemployed, single parent struggling to find stable housing and maintain custody of her daughter. Through Goodwill’s voucher program, she was able to cover expenses related to starting a new job as a security professional. Goodwill’s support helped Tiffany get back on her feet and gave her the opportunity to reunite with her daughter. Read her story.
Goodwill sparked Eduardo’s entry into welding.
When Eduardo first immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico, he wasn’t just looking for a job—he wanted to find a fulfilling career. After a stint as a truck driver, Eduardo decided to pursue welding, which required going back to school. A Goodwill career coach supported him every step of the way, and now Eduardo works as a welder, doing what he loves. Read his story.
Goodwill harnessed Robert’s unique abilities.
Robert entered Goodwill’s Community Based Training (CBT) program to determine how his disability impacted his ability to work. While a retail store environment turned out not to be a good fit, through a second CBT assessment, he discovered the workplace setting and speed that suited him best: Goodwill’s electronics recycling and demanufacturing program. Read his story.
Goodwill supported Clifton’s post-military transition.
Clifton, an Army veteran, came to Goodwill with a clear goal: a career in welding. When training proved to be prohibitively expensive, Goodwill helped cover his tuition and transportation costs. Clifton completed training and is now a welder at an auto repair and body shop. Clifton is proud to support his family and is grateful for his smooth transition into civilian employment. Read his story.
Goodwill guided Jose to an open road.
Years of underemployment left Jose struggling to provide for his family. He decided to pursue a career in truck driving but was unable to cover the necessary training costs. After meeting with a Goodwill career coach, Jose was able to secure tuition assistance, complete his training, and earn his commercial driver’s license. He now supports his family and travels the country as a professional truck driver. Read his story.
Goodwill helped William identify his strengths.
William was unemployed and intent on reentering the workforce when he arrived at Goodwill’s Career Center. A career assessment identified truck driving as a good fit for his skill set. With training funded through Goodwill, William earned his commercial driver’s license and secured full-time employment as a truck driver. Read his story.
Goodwill put Valentina back in the driver’s seat.
Seeking a steady income and consistent schedule, Valentina decided to earn her commercial driver’s license (CDL). Unable to cover the cost of training, Goodwill helped her secure the tuition assistance she needed. She was immediately hired upon graduating and now, after nearly two decades of living in America, is excited to reinvent herself in a new career. Read her story.
Goodwill supported Mia’s dream to become an RN.
Mia was unemployed when she enlisted Goodwill to help her achieve her dream of becoming a registered nurse. In the face of financial and logistical challenges during her nursing training, including a brush with homelessness, her Goodwill career coach helped Mia secure tuition assistance and earn her credential. She now works as a CNA at a transitional rehabilitation center and is well on her way to becoming an RN. Read her story.
Goodwill helped Daniel transition to civilian life.
When Daniel concluded his Marine Corps service, he faced difficulties finding steady employment and stable housing. Struggling to translate his military experience into civilian work, his Goodwill veteran career coach helped him fund commercial driver’s license training. Daniel immediately secured employment as a company driver and plans to be an entrepreneur. Read his story.
Goodwill helped Melissa secure her family’s future.
Having earned two bachelor’s degrees, Melissa desired a career that could thrive as her husband’s military assignments took her family from place to place. A Goodwill career coach opened her eyes to a highly mobile, helping profession: healthcare. The Medical Assistant Training program’s accelerated Training Sprint model worked perfectly for the expectant Melissa, who graduated among the top three in her cohort and was immediately hired by a regional health provider. Read her story.
Goodwill helped Taylor advance his IT career.
After losing his job in IT and encountering challenges around his hearing impairment, Taylor saw more certifications as key to moving his career forward. However, his limited unemployment benefits made vocational skills training unaffordable. A Goodwill career coach paved the way for Taylor to earn certifications in three courses, during which he was hired by Southern Nevada Health District, where he advanced quickly and earned multiple promotions within months. Read his story.
Goodwill helped Sara believe and achieve.
When she approached Goodwill, Sara was struggling from the trauma of an abusive relationship. Seeing a medical career as a pathway to a better future for herself and her children, she enrolled in the CNA Training Program. Equipped with professional medical training, Sara was hired by Nevada Partners as a vaccine coordinator. Sara has set her sights on a thriving career in the medical field, fueled by a newfound belief in herself. Read her story.
Goodwill helped James embrace new possibilities.
Upon his medical retirement from the U.S. Navy, a Goodwill career coach guided James onto a pathway into the medical field. Fueled by his empathy for people with health challenges and a desire to give back to his community, James excelled in the Medical Assistant Training program. A true mentor to his classmates, James gladly accepted a paid externship at a regional health provider. Read his story.
Goodwill helped Michael rebuild his confidence.
After serving in the Navy, Michael’s promising path ran aground. He returned to Las Vegas for family support but struggled to find suitable employment despite his college degree and paralegal experience. Aided by a Goodwill career coach and job developer, Michael secured a specialist position working with veterans, restoring his confidence and positive outlook. Read his story.
Goodwill supported Nakisha’s pursuit of a stable career.
Ever since being laid off during the pandemic, Nakisha had been unable to find suitable employment. Seeking a stable career, Nakisha came to Goodwill seeking assistance with vocational training. Nakisha’s Goodwill career coach helped her secure a grant for training at the Las Vegas Institute of Welding, which led to full-time employment as a welder with a company that creates structures and backgrounds for shows and concerts. Read her story.
Goodwill helped André make a big leap forward.
After earning his Associate’s degree during incarceration, André understood the instability of construction work. Seeking financial assistance for commercial driver’s license (CDL) training, André met with a Goodwill career coach, who guided him through the grant process. Within three months, André passed the CDL exam and was hired to work on a solar plant project. He has since taken steps toward starting his own towing business. Read his story.
Goodwill supported Janae’s journey in many ways.
Ever since serving as a caregiver, Janae had dreamed of becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA), but she had yet to be able to afford the cost of training. By taking advantage of Goodwill® tuition assistance, Janae successfully completed CNA training and earned her credential. Now employed full-time as a CNA, Janae serves as a positive role model for her five children. Read her story.
Goodwill helped Sade affirm her readiness.
An 18-year-old with a documented learning disability, Sade eyed a retail environment for her first-ever work experience. The Goodwill® Community Based Training (CBT) program determined that Sade had an upbeat attitude, learned quickly, and worked well with co-workers. Sade was highly recommended for job placement, which will support her plans to study graphic design at the College of Southern Nevada. Read her story.
Goodwill helped James build a future in welding.
James enlisted a Goodwill career coach to help him translate his military experience into a thriving career path. Through 100 hours of Goodwill-funded training, James earned welding, first aid/CPR, and forklift certificates. James was hired immediately upon graduating and is exploring the opportunity to train as an underwater welder. Read his story.
Goodwill helped Cameron find his true potential.
Cameron, an 18-year-old with a learning disability, was referred to Goodwill’s disabilities programs to gauge his readiness for employment. Cameron flourished assisting with the door at the donation center, where the role’s repetition and minimal support were a perfect fit for Cameron’s abilities and his greatest strength: his kindness. Within three weeks of completing his program, Cameron was hired as a Goodwill donation attendant. Read his story.
Goodwill aided Ashley with free coaching and schooling.
During seven years of overseas assignments, as a military spouse Ashley had difficulty establishing a career path that allowed for professional growth. With funding through a partnership with the Department of Labor, Goodwill’s programs for qualifying military spouses paved the way for Ashley to be trained as a dental assistant, a major step toward her goal of becoming a surgical lead assistant. Read her story.
Goodwill supported Elena on her courageous journey.
Less than a year since the rug was pulled out from under her feet, Elena and her two young children found themselves at SafeNest, a shelter for domestic violence survivors. Goodwill and an array of community partners provided job coaching, skills training, rental assistance, and on-the-job training that led to a permanent full-time position—a key step in her and her family’s healing journey. Read her story.
Goodwill assured Oscar that he was on his way.
Seeking to gain new work experience within a retail environment, Oscar was placed in a 20-day retail, warehouse, and janitorial training program to assess the autistic 18-year-old’s work readiness. Extremely positive, helpful, and quick to learn, Oscar passed his work assessment with ease. He soon found full-time employment and plans to go to college and join the Navy. Read his story.
Goodwill instilled Xavier with newfound confidence.
Due to a poor experience with his first job the previous year, Xavier was initially worried about getting along with managers and co-workers. However, quickly felt at ease on the Goodwill sales floor, earned raves from several employees for his work ethic and helpfulness. He left his assessment with confidence that his goal to work in retail was solidly in reach. Read his story.
Goodwill led Jakayla to professional certification.
Since her husband’s career required frequent moves from base to base, Jakayla had to find employment at every stop. Goodwill Career Services proved to be a great resource for her to chart a career path that would allow for promotional opportunities in her field. Their exploration led to CAPM, a formal certification for project practitioners. Read her story.
Goodwill bridged Yukari’s return to nursing.
When her husband’s military service took the couple from Japan to Nevada, Yukari needed guidance on how to continue her nursing career in her new home country. Goodwill career coaches not only helped Yukari navigate certification channels, but supported her family with transportation, living costs, and other life necessities while she focused on passing state exams and getting hired as an RN by a local hospital. Read her story.
Goodwill affirmed Sarah’s readiness for employment.
Although Sarah entered the Goodwill Community-Based-Training (CBT) program with no prior work experience, the 17-year-old’s deafness was not a barrier to her learning quickly. The motivation and focus she demonstrated processing and merchandising donated goods left her CBT trainers confident that she would achieve her short-term employment goal and long-term ambition to become a nurse. Read her story.
Goodwill championed Diana’s aims and aspirations.
Diana was determined to overcome major barriers—including unemployment, homelessness, and a felony—on her quest for a medical career. Aided by the strong advocacy of a Goodwill career coach, Diana received tuition assistance and employment in a Goodwill store to sustain her while she completed CNA training and sought employment in the medical field. Read her story.
Goodwill welcomed Stephen’s eagerness to work.
At age 25, Stephen was referred by a state agency to undergo a work readiness assessment. While his Goodwill trainer was encouraged by his strong motivation, the exercises proved challenging for Stephen. He was recommended for an additional 10-day training with the goal of improving his independence, which he saw as a welcome chance to prove himself, guided by Goodwill’s experienced trainers. Read his story.
Goodwill helped Ashley pursue her healthcare career.
After her military husband’s transfer brought them to Las Vegas, Ashley returned to the healthcare schooling plans she had tabled when they left Charlotte. Aided by a dislocated worker’s grant tailored for military spouses, she enrolled in a Goodwill certified nursing assistant (CNA) bootcamp—a big step toward formal CNA training and her long-term goal of an RN license. Read her story.
Goodwill guided La-Toya to a future in healthcare.
A single parent of two young children, La-Toya was underemployed and struggling to pay for necessities. Her Goodwill career coach helped La-Toya discover a passion for the healthcare field. Her assessment and positive attitude led Goodwill to invest in phlebotomy training and supportive services, leading to an employment offer, dream career, and bright future for La-Toya and her family. Read her story.
Goodwill gave Royce new skills and a career focus.
Royce’s autism and limited social skills were leading him to isolate at home to “game and hack” rather than pursue employment. Goodwill’s Electronic Demanufacturing and Recycling program exposed him to the inner workings of computer hardware as well as appropriate social interactions. Equipped with confidence and newfound focus, Royce looked forward to his next step: attending school to become an IT professional. Read his story.
Goodwill gave Keanu a springboard to employment.
Autistic, blind, and deaf at the time he was adopted, Keanu’s father persisted in having his son equipped with hearing aids. The ability to hear and a positive attitude led Keanu to want more out of life. Goodwill’s STEPS employment assessment program identified Keanu’s drive and meticulous attention to detail—qualities that augured well for his employment options. Read his story.
Goodwill helped Francis find an ideal career path.
At the time he left the Air Force in 2013, Francis couldn’t see a way to translate his experience as an aircraft armament systems specialist into civilian job opportunities. His Goodwill career coach—a fellow veteran—completed a skills assessment and found an ideal career path for Francis. Goodwill-funded housing assistance and occupational training, leading to a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and truck driving job. Read his story.
Goodwill helped Thearon get his life back.
Thearon enjoyed success as a chef, but when multiple personal issues hit him all at once, he ended up homeless and addicted to drugs. A free career assessment and tuition assistance opened the door to commercial driver’s license (CDL) training. He quickly secured his CDL, was hired as a dump truck driver, and dreams of owning his own trucking company. Read his story.