Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont

““I was a little apprehensive at first. I haven’t had the best luck with counselors,” Camryn shared. “I told Robert [about my] experience, and he said he was here to help me. He helped me build my resume. It wasn’t the prettiest before, but now it’s got all the details. He helped me spiff it up and make it a little cleaner.””

““It was a little intimidating at first, because [in the class] it was me and one other woman; but all the men were super cool, nice people that had been in the trades for a while,” she said. “I liked the Electrical class because my instructor made all the information easy to digest. It seemed like a lot when I was reading it until we went to the workshop and put stuff together. Then it was like, ‘Oh, I get this! This is what we just talked about.’””

““Starting my junior or senior year [of high school], that’s when they really started to push college and the military as my only two options. They never really glossed on going into the workforce as an option,” Camryn said. “I spent a year in college trying to make myself get into it. I wasn’t feeling very comfortable, and it wasn’t exactly what I wanted to do, so I left school. My mom told me I’m always fixing things and I’m good with my hands. So, she told me to look at Goodwill.””

““Goodwill’s Construction & Trade Skills training program was really a saving grace. With having kids, bills, and expenses being so high, the opportunity to take free classes is great. I’m gaining knowledge; I’m gaining information; I’m gaining relationships. You really can’t lose.””

““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.””

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

““I feel lighter. I’m now making more money, and I put myself in a better financial position. 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.””

““Goodwill is the best organization I’ve ever worked for. They put so much into their employees – part time, full time, everyone. And they put so much into the community. I’m thankful to be part of that.””

““Sometimes people feel embarrassed because they’re not where they want to be. What the Goodwill Career Center does is change that – it gives them confidence, motivation, and the skills they need to believe in themselves again. It’s not just about finding a job. It’s about helping people see they can build a career and become better for themselves.””

““The program was totally free, and shorter than a degree program. It’s a substantial, well-developed program. If shopping with Goodwill helps keep programs like this, then it’s money well spent.””

““The Pathways program is very beneficial to me personally. Being a mom, working and being new to the city, some of my goals I couldn’t fit into my everyday life. Having these coaching sessions during work opened up opportunities I probably wouldn’t have had otherwise.””

““I always felt supported and like they wanted to see me grow, whether that was in the organization or not. The Pathways program is just another one of many great things they’re doing to support and build up not just the community, but their team members too.””

“Goodwill is where you can come to get a free training class and find a job,” Ahmed said. “From my very first call, every single person at Goodwill helped me as much as they could. It’s hard, so you have to be serious about it. You have to feel 100% like you want to do this and you need to do this. And if you really need to do this, Goodwill is the best way to do it.”

““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.””

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

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

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

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

““I invite a lot of people to join in these classes. This is the best opportunity,””

““I liked the class because it just opened the door for me. That class would have cost a lot if I went to trade school; it’s not cheap,””

“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.”

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

“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.”

“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,”

“I wasn’t willing to go back to school full-time and spend thousands of dollars. The Goodwill team helped me get interviews, gave me advice, encouraged me, and made sure I was portraying myself correctly to employers.”