Chris said he originally planned to leave Louisville and return to his hometown of Covington, but a housing loss changed his plans and led him to complete the program orientation.

“My thoughts were, ‘I don’t want to stay in Louisville,’” he said. “But I ended up staying and doing the orientation with Aspire to Recovery. I was thankful I did that. I learned about all the resources and everything that could be done for me.”

Through the program, Chris received rent assistance, transportation support, including bus passes and a bicycle through the Last Mile to Work program, and financial stipends after securing employment. He worked closely with his career coach, Alex, who continues to meet with him regularly.

Chris now works part-time at Dollar Tree due to ongoing health challenges related to congestive heart failure and says he is focused on maintaining stability and continuing to move forward.

“Alex gave me confidence to be all I want to be in life,” he said. “Before everything, I wasn’t working, I was on drugs, living off the land. Now, confidence has helped me. I can do anything I put my mind to.”

Since joining the program, Chris has also advanced through Phase II: Reintegration. He is currently saving money to secure independent housing and continue his recovery journey.

The post “Confidence Has Helped Me”: Chris’ Road from Recovery to Employment first appeared on Goodwill Kentucky.

The three-week fiber optics training program is being held at Goodwill Kentucky’s Lexington Opportunity Center in partnership with RLC Networks, the Kentucky Chamber Foundation, HourForce 24/7, the Hope Center, and Probation and Parole.

The inaugural cohort includes eight participants referred through Goodwill Kentucky’s Opportunity Center, the Hope Center, and Probation and Parole. Prior to the start of training, RLC Networks hosted an informational session for interested candidates to learn more about the industry, ask questions, and explore career opportunities. Approximately 27 individuals attended and were invited to apply for the program. Candidates then completed interviews conducted jointly by Goodwill Kentucky, the Kentucky Chamber Foundation, and RLC Networks before final selections were made by the employer.

“This partnership is about creating direct pathways to sustainable employment while helping employers meet workforce needs,” said Dennis Ritchie, Goodwill Kentucky vice president of reentry and strategic partnerships. “By combining industry training, hands-on experience, and supportive services, we are helping participants build long-term career opportunities in a high-demand field.”

During the first week of training, participants receive classroom-based instruction and hands-on technical training at the Opportunity Center. During weeks two and three, participants worked alongside field technicians in real-world environments to gain on-the-job experience. At the conclusion of the training, RLC Networks will extend job opportunities to selected participants from the cohort. The company plans to hire approximately 200 individuals over the next year. Additional cohorts are already underway.

“We want to first assist anyway we can in making people, better people,” said RLC CEO Greg Huff. “If we can create entrepreneurship, then that is even better.”

Goodwill Kentucky is also providing supportive services and job-readiness coaching throughout the program, including required workwear and other assistance to help participants successfully transition into employment. RLC Networks is providing the training, employment opportunities, and a completion bonus designed to help participants launch their careers as independent contractors.

For more information about Goodwill Kentucky in Lexington, visit GoodwillKY.org. For more about its strategic partnerships, contact Alycia Tidrick, Goodwill Kentucky director of strategic partnerships, at Alycia.Tidrick@GoodwillKY.org.

About Goodwill Kentucky

For more than 100 years, Goodwill Kentucky has helped Kentuckians find pathways out of poverty through the transformative power of work. Operating in 103 of Kentucky’s 120 counties, Goodwill Kentucky places over 3,000 Kentuckians into jobs each year through its 1,400-plus employer partners and its own retail stores. These life-changing opportunities are made possible through donations to our stores and community support. The organization reinvests approximately 90 cents of every dollar earned in its retail stores into job training and workforce programs. When you give to Goodwill, you do a lot of good.

The post Goodwill Kentucky, Partners Launch Fiber Optics Training Program Connecting Kentuckians to High-Demand Careers first appeared on Goodwill Kentucky.

The donation was coordinated through Officer Chris Hodge, who has partnered with Goodwill Kentucky for the past two years to support the program. In recognition of National Bike Month, Hodge coordinated the donation of the retired bicycles, which he valued at approximately $75 each, totaling an estimated in-kind donation of $1,125. In addition to previously donating bike parts, Hodge has worked to raise awareness of the initiative and connect resources that help expand transportation access for individuals working toward long-term stability and employment success.

Goodwill Kentucky’s Last Mile to Work program provides refurbished bicycles and safety equipment to individuals who may not otherwise have reliable transportation to their place of employment. The donated bicycles will help more program participants travel safely and consistently.

“Transportation remains one of the most significant barriers many individuals face when trying to secure and maintain employment,” said Glenn Todd, Last Mile to Work program manager. “This donation from LMPD and Officer Hodge will directly impact the lives of people working hard to achieve stability and independence.”

Last year, the Last Mile to Work team helped 428 employed individuals maintain reliable transportation to work. As of May 10, the program has already assisted 130 individuals this year.

The team consists of three part-time staff members working approximately 44 hours per week and eight volunteers contributing an average of 35 hours per week. The team includes cyclists, a retired bike mechanic, and a retired machinist. Daily operations include rebuilding bikes for placement, performing repair services, matching bikes to referrals, coordinating with career coaches and referral partners, maintaining placement data, providing orientation for recipients, managing inventory, stripping unusable bikes for parts and recycling, picking up local donations, and delivering bikes to Lexington.

For more information, visit GoodwillKY.org. To support the program, consider donating your gently used bicycle to Goodwill Kentucky.

About Goodwill Kentucky

For more than 100 years, Goodwill Kentucky has helped Kentuckians find pathways out of poverty through the transformative power of work. Operating in 103 of Kentucky’s 120 counties, Goodwill Kentucky places over 3,000 Kentuckians into jobs each year through its 1,400-plus employer partners and its own retail stores. These life-changing opportunities are made possible through donations to our stores and community support. The organization reinvests approximately 90 cents of every dollar earned in its retail stores into job training and workforce programs. When you give to Goodwill, you do a lot of good.

The post Goodwill Kentucky Last Mile to Work Program Receives Bicycle Donation from LMPD During National Bike Month first appeared on Goodwill Kentucky.

Cohort 1 achieved a 100% job placement rate within 60 days of graduation, with participants earning an average starting wage of $20.25 per hour. Now celebrating the graduation of its third cohort, the program is helping Kentuckians build skills, earn industry-recognized credentials, and prepare for long-term employment in warehouse, distribution, and manufacturing support roles.

The program is delivered in partnership with Kentucky Recovery Vocational (KRV), whose collaboration and support have helped expand access to meaningful workforce opportunities for individuals seeking a fresh start and sustainable career pathways. Through the MSSC Logistics Program, participants receive technical instruction, job readiness support, and guaranteed interviews with Goodwill Kentucky employer partners upon completion of training.

One of those participants was Paul Moffitt, a young adult who came into the program looking to strengthen his mechanical skills and explore new career opportunities. With support from his Goodwill Kentucky career coach, Paul was able to identify his interests and was guided toward training opportunities aligned with that goal.

Paul described the program as classroom-focused and structured, with hands-on preparation that helped him build confidence in his abilities. He also noted that participants were provided with resources such as laptops when needed and received support in preparing for certification testing after completing coursework.

Through the MSSC Logistics Program, Paul completed training in Louisville and has begun a new role as an operations specialist at Dynacraft, earning $25 per hour. In this role, he manages quality control processes related to emission cans.

“Anybody who gets an understanding of what’s going on [at Goodwill],” he said. “They’ll realize very fast that it’s beneficial, and it would be a mistake not to look into it.”

As the program continues to grow, Goodwill Kentucky plans to expand the MSSC Logistics Program to additional locations throughout the state, further strengthening workforce pipelines and connecting Kentuckians to opportunity.

Employers interested in partnering with Goodwill Kentucky are encouraged to reach out to Alycia Tidrick, Goodwill Kentucky director of strategic partnerships, at Alycia.Tidrick@GoodwillKY.org. For more information about Goodwill Kentucky and its services, visit GoodwillKY.org.

About Goodwill Kentucky

For more than 100 years, Goodwill Kentucky has helped Kentuckians find pathways out of poverty through the transformative power of work. Operating in 103 of Kentucky’s 120 counties, Goodwill Kentucky places over 3,000 Kentuckians into jobs each year through its 1,400-plus employer partners and its own retail stores. These life-changing opportunities are made possible through donations to our stores and community support. The organization reinvests approximately 90 cents of every dollar earned in its retail stores into job training and workforce programs. When you give to Goodwill, you do a lot of good.

The post Goodwill Kentucky’s MSSC Logistics Program Helps Drive Workforce Success in Louisville first appeared on Goodwill Kentucky.

That began when Kandy met her career coach, Ashley, who helped her identify goals and connected her with opportunities to support her growth.

“Ashley is absolutely amazing,” Kandy said. “That is something within Goodwill that is special. The things she can help you with are almost limitless, in work and outside of work.”

That support led Kandy to GoodSmiles, an employee benefit program that provides up to $5,000 in dental assistance not covered by insurance, helping restore her smile and rebuild her confidence.

“This experience has been life-changing,” Kandy said. “I feel fortunate to have benefited from such meaningful support. Because of this program, I’ve been given a fresh start and renewed confidence, and for that, I am deeply thankful.”

Today, Kandy works on our E-commerce team in Lexington as a lister, where she is able to balance a supportive schedule as a mother while continuing to pursue her goals of learning and growing within Goodwill.

“I want to express my sincere appreciation to the GoodSmiles program, Goodwill, and my career coach, Ashley. Her guidance and support helped me find direction when I wasn’t sure where to begin.”

The post Goodwill Kentucky Gives Kandy a Reason to Smile Again first appeared on Goodwill Kentucky.

Karen connected Jayson to the RISE program, where instructors saw his leadership potential and encouraged him to apply for a position with Goodwill Kentucky. He was hired as a production clerk at the Hikes Point store and stood out for his work ethic, leadership, and dedication to personal growth.

Although his background was in technology and computer programming, Jayson embraced new opportunities while continuing his education and certifications. With support from Trochelle, his career coach, he earned his Peer Support Certification and grew into new roles.

After being promoted to team lead, Jayson was encouraged to apply for an open career coach position. Today, he serves on our Mission Integration team, helping others navigate challenges similar to those he once faced himself.

“They truly gave me a hand up—not a handout,” Jayson said. “I know the mission works because I am living proof of it.”

The post A New Beginning for Jayson at Goodwill Kentucky first appeared on Goodwill Kentucky.

Dwight enrolled in Goodwill Kentucky’s Financial Wellness Program in September 2024 with goals to increase his income, strengthen his money management skills, and eventually return to college.

After being laid off from Brown-Forman due to a factory closure, Dwight brought years of manufacturing experience, along with a strong work ethic and a desire to transition into more purpose-driven work that aligned with his passion for helping others.

With consistent support from his financial career coach, David Badger, Dwight built and followed a clear plan, earning his Adult Peer Support Certification while also growing his savings. He remained focused, accountable, and motivated throughout the process.

Inspired by our mission, Dwight earned his certification, applied for a role within Goodwill, and was hired as a peer support specialist at the Downtown Louisville Opportunity Center in June 2025.

In just nine months, his dedication led to a promotion to support specialist supervisor. Today, Dwight supports and mentors others, reflecting the impact of Goodwill Kentucky’s Opportunity Accelerator framework.

The post Dwight’s Journey from Setback to Supervisor first appeared on Goodwill Kentucky.

LOUISVILLE, KY. –

These initiatives include access to job training, career coaching, reentry services, and support for individuals facing barriers to employment, such as prior justice involvement, limited work history, lack of reliable transportation, housing instability, gaps in education, and other challenges. In addition to skill-building programs, participants can access wraparound supports like digital literacy training, financial education, and job placement assistance.

Through its network of 12 Opportunity Centers across the Commonwealth, including locations in Louisville, Goodwill Kentucky serves more than 20,000 individuals each year, connecting them with the tools, resources, and support needed to secure and retain meaningful employment.

“Support from partners like Amazon allows us to meet people where they are and provide the resources they need to move forward,” said Amy Luttrell, president and CEO of Goodwill Kentucky. “This investment strengthens our ability to deliver critical workforce services and helps more Kentuckians take the next step toward stability and self-sufficiency.”

The donation was presented as part of Goodwill Kentucky’s inaugural Ambassador and Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast, which celebrated the contributions of Goodwill Kentucky’s ambassadors and volunteers, individuals who play a vital role in advancing the organization’s mission across the Commonwealth.

For more information about Goodwill Kentucky, visit GoodwillKY.org.

About Goodwill Kentucky

For more than 100 years, Goodwill Kentucky has helped Kentuckians find pathways out of poverty through the transformative power of work. Operating in 103 of Kentucky’s 120 counties, Goodwill Kentucky places over 3,000 Kentuckians into jobs each year through its 1,400-plus employer partners and its own retail stores. These life-changing opportunities are made possible through donations to our stores and community support. The organization reinvests approximately 90 cents of every dollar earned in its retail stores into job training and workforce programs. When you give to Goodwill, you do a lot of good.

The post Goodwill Kentucky Receives $40,000 Donation from Amazon to Support Workforce Development Initiatives first appeared on Goodwill Kentucky.

Located at 4813 Dixie Highway, the new 13,300-square-foot store represents a significant investment in the Shively community and the individuals who call it home. The expanded space—nearly one-and-a-half times the size of the previous location—enhances the shopping experience while increasing capacity for donations that directly fuel Goodwill Kentucky’s mission of helping Kentuckians find pathways out of poverty. Ninety cents of every dollar generated through retail operations is reinvested into job training, education, support services, and much more.

“Moments like these are about more than opening doors,” said Amy Luttrell, Goodwill Kentucky president and CEO. “They are about creating second chances and new opportunities for Kentuckians and their families to move forward and build stable, sustainable lives.”

Revenue from the Shively store helps fund a wide range of programs and services, including job training and workforce development, expungement and second-chance initiatives, housing and transportation support, and more. These services are delivered through Goodwill Kentucky’s 12 Opportunity Centers, including locations in Louisville. The store also creates approximately 20 to 30 local jobs.

Goodwill Kentucky has served communities for more than 100 years and currently operates in 103 of 120 Kentucky counties. Each year, the organization places more than 3,000 Kentuckians into jobs and partners with over 1,400 employers statewide, supporting individuals facing barriers such as poverty, addiction, and justice involvement.

To learn more about Goodwill Kentucky’s services, or for retail location information, visit GoodwillKY.org.

About Goodwill Kentucky

For more than 100 years, Goodwill Kentucky has helped Kentuckians find pathways out of poverty through the transformative power of work. Operating in 103 of Kentucky’s 120 counties, Goodwill Kentucky places over 3,000 Kentuckians into jobs each year through its 1,400-plus employer partners and its own retail stores. These life-changing opportunities are made possible through donations to Goodwill Kentucky stores and community support. The organization reinvests approximately 90 cents of every dollar earned in its retail stores into job training and workforce programs. When you give to Goodwill, you do a lot of good.

The post Goodwill Kentucky Celebrates Grand Opening of Shively Retail Store and Donation Center, Marking 70th Location Statewide first appeared on Goodwill Kentucky.

That changed with a visit to the Goodwill Kentucky Lexington Opportunity Center—and the timing couldn’t have been better.

“They helped me get my driver’s license and paid for it,” he said. “They provided me with a bus pass. I kept going in and applying for jobs. They helped me fill out applications, and that’s when I got the job here. It was two days before I would have been out on the street.”

In January, Brian was hired as a production clerk at our Mapleleaf store in Lexington. While working, he continued building his skills at the Opportunity Center, earning his Customer Service Certification. He also recently took advantage of GoodSmiles, a Goodwill Kentucky employee benefit program that provides up to $5,000 for dental work not covered by insurance, leaving him with a brand-new smile to match his fresh start.

“[Goodwill] is a lifesaver,” he said. “It keeps me off the street. I’m happy to be here and thankful to have a job.”

Today, Brian is beginning to explore new opportunities beyond Goodwill Kentucky, but says he feels a sense of stability he hasn’t experienced in years, something he credits to his “wonderful, supportive” teammates.

The post Brian Says Goodwill Kentucky Is a “Lifesaver” first appeared on Goodwill Kentucky.