https://www.goodwill.org/category/blog/my-story/ Local Goodwills are nonprofits that help people overcome challenges to build skills, find jobs and grow their careers. #PowerOfWork Tue, 24 Feb 2026 17:45:35 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.goodwill.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/cropped-goodwill-site-icon-nobg-32x32.png https://www.goodwill.org/category/blog/my-story/ 32 32 https://www.goodwill.org/blog/ https://www.goodwill.org/blog/my-story/my-goodwill-story-paul/ Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:56:56 +0000 https://www.goodwill.org/?p=766899 Every January marks Get Organized Month. We all want to start the year clutter free and feel put-together (remember that your local Goodwill® donation center can help with that).]]> Goodwill Industries International, Inc. https://www.goodwill.org/blog/my-story/my-goodwill-story-justin/ Mon, 12 Jan 2026 16:12:12 +0000 https://www.goodwill.org/?p=766770 As you start this new year, you might be reflecting on what you accomplished and what you hope to do in the upcoming year. Setting goals can be an excellent way to continue advancing and building a life you love. Justin had a goal, too. He wanted to graduate from high school, but sometimes life forces us in a different direction.]]> Goodwill Industries International, Inc. https://www.goodwill.org/blog/my-story/my-goodwill-story-annalessy/ Tue, 23 Dec 2025 15:39:15 +0000 https://www.goodwill.org/?p=766693 It’s that time of year when we start thinking about the future: what we want to accomplish, who we want to be and where we want to go. For Annalessya, that future is now full of new possibilities.  ]]> Goodwill Industries International, Inc. https://www.goodwill.org/blog/my-story/my-goodwill-story-tiant/ Tue, 16 Dec 2025 19:42:48 +0000 https://www.goodwill.org/?p=766667 It’s so exciting when you find the perfect gift for someone during the holidays. You feel like you can show someone how much you care about them and see the joy it brings them in return. As new things get added to our lives, remember that donating things you no longer need to Goodwill® can become an even bigger gift for those in need.  That was the case for Ti’ant. He was looking for support in paying his bills and finding housing after involvement with the legal system. Thankfully, a friend referred him to Goodwill Kentucky (Louisville). ]]> Goodwill Industries International, Inc. https://www.goodwill.org/blog/my-story/my-goodwill-story-elijah/ Tue, 25 Nov 2025 19:58:27 +0000 https://www.goodwill.org/?p=766553 Native American Heritage Month is a time to honor the rich cultures, traditions and contributions of Native peoples across the country. It’s also a moment to recognize the strength and resilience that define so many Native stories, like Elijah’s. ]]> Goodwill Industries International, Inc. https://www.goodwill.org/blog/my-story/my-goodwill-story-abbi/ Tue, 11 Nov 2025 19:29:19 +0000 https://www.goodwill.org/?p=766549 Veterans Day is a time to honor the courage, sacrifice and service of those who have worn a uniform of the U.S. military. It’s also a moment to reflect on the paths that lead individuals to serve as well. Paths that are often shaped by resilience, community and a desire to make a difference. For Abbi, her journey to enlisting in the Air Force began not with certainty, but with struggle.]]> Goodwill Industries International, Inc. https://www.goodwill.org/blog/my-story/my-goodwill-story-dajhaun/ Fri, 31 Oct 2025 16:06:53 +0000 https://www.goodwill.org/?p=766300 When Dajhaun first walked through the doors of Goodwill Industries of Kentucky (Louisville), he wasn’t sure where life was headed. He joined Young Adult Opportunity Campus’s “The Spot” program with questions about his future and doubts about his own potential. But what he found there was more than just a program, it was a community that believed in him before he fully believed in himself. ]]> Goodwill Industries International, Inc. https://www.goodwill.org/blog/my-story/my-goodwill-story-jalen/ Thu, 09 Oct 2025 18:23:26 +0000 https://www.goodwill.org/?p=766196 During Digital Inclusion Week (October 6-10, 2025), we’re celebrating stories like Jalen’s — stories that show how access to digital tools, training and career support can open doors to opportunity.  Jalen started working at a Goodwill Industries of Arkansas (Little Rock) store in 2022. While he was an employee, he connected with his career navigator and began building a plan for his future. He enrolled in several Goodwill Academy courses, earning certificates that strengthened his résumé and expanded his skill set. Those included his CPR/First Aid certification and the Goodwill Digital Career Accelerator® certificate. ]]> Goodwill Industries International, Inc. https://www.goodwill.org/blog/my-story/my-goodwill-story-kelly/ Thu, 11 Sep 2025 17:19:19 +0000 https://www.goodwill.org/?p=766055 September marks National Workforce Development Month and as the largest nonprofit workforce development agency in North America, we have a lot of reasons to celebrate. We see firsthand the impact that workforce development professionals have on the lives of people looking to find work or advance their careers. Take for instance, Kelly who came to Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee (Nashville) a few years ago. She had just been laid off and found herself in the constant cycle of applying to jobs without hearing back. She had already applied to more than 200 jobs by the time she came to Goodwill® for support.  ]]> Goodwill Industries International, Inc. https://www.goodwill.org/blog/my-story/my-goodwill-story-danrae/ Fri, 15 Aug 2025 21:17:03 +0000 https://www.goodwill.org/?p=765999 August is National Black Business Month, a time to recognize and uplift Black entrepreneurs and changemakers. For Danrae, this month celebrates a turning point in his journey from uncertainty to purpose. Danrae came to Goodwill Kentucky (Louisville) through a court referral, looking for a fresh start. He had a vision to find a job, start a business and make his mom proud. Goodwill® supported him with job readiness training, basic digital skills and an internship to help him build confidence and experience.]]> Goodwill Industries International, Inc.