What does it take to get a second chance? To start a new life? For people across our region, it took courage, determination—and a community that cares. Our FY2024 Annual Report, New Lives Start Here, highlights how our local Goodwill helped 3,152 people overcome barriers and build brighter futures – all through strong community support and partnerships. Inside, you’ll find the inspiring stories of Ruben, Susana, and Malachi—real people who changed their lives through the power of work.
Where there's Goodwill there's a wayto|
Desire
WorkFirst Participant
“This program was amazing for me and my kids, for my life. I want to move out of public housing. I see myself registering for school to get my Associates Degree in childcare. I’m happy I have my high school diploma because I have options now, whereas before I didn’t.”
Tristan
GED & IT Fundamentals Graduate
“The Goodwill team genuinely cares. They didn’t just help me get my GED. They gave me the support and skills to transform my life. I have faith in my future now. And I know the challenges I went through are what allow me to help others. Goodwill gave me that gift.”
Jonathan
Disability Services Participant
When Jonathan connected with Goodwill, he found the support and guidance he needed to take his career to the next level. “I’ve never been let down by Goodwill. They’ve always been there in my biggest times of need.”
Arthur
Basic Digital Skills Graduate
“It improved my knowledge and really spiked my motivation. I became ambitious about going into that kind of work. I want it to be my career, you know? I want to go into that stuff.”
Kristy
WorkFirst Graduate
“I’m a visual learner and my Goodwill Job Coach made using the computer very practical. Her approach made the lessons stick. I have purpose in working with children, and feel like I am giving back to my community. I’ve gone from being unsure of my direction, to doing a job I love.”
Kim
Ticket to Work Graduate
“I was living with my daughter, depending on my kids for support, and the money I was getting couldn’t even pay my half of the rent. It was like I was stuck out in an ocean and I didn’t know how to find a way out. Once I found Goodwill, it was like my lifeline out of the ocean. It literally changed my life.”
Mario
Veteran Services Graduate
“As I progress to a higher grade in my job, it’s more admin work, more paperwork, more professional communications. These digital skills will help me with career advancement!”
Steven
Youth Internship Graduate
“I needed structure in my life, but didn’t know how to get there. Goodwill shows you where to start on a path and helps you when you need it along the way. This whole industry exits that no one knows about. Goodwill will open doors like that.”
Desire
WorkFirst Participant
“This program was amazing for me and my kids, for my life. I want to move out of public housing. I see myself registering for school to get my Associates Degree in childcare. I’m happy I have my high school diploma because I have options now, whereas before I didn’t.”
Tristan
GED & IT Fundamentals Graduate
“The Goodwill team genuinely cares. They didn’t just help me get my GED. They gave me the support and skills to transform my life. I have faith in my future now. And I know the challenges I went through are what allow me to help others. Goodwill gave me that gift.”
Jonathan
Disability Services Participant
When Jonathan connected with Goodwill, he found the support and guidance he needed to take his career to the next level. “I’ve never been let down by Goodwill. They’ve always been there in my biggest times of need.”
Arthur
Basic Digital Skills Graduate
“It improved my knowledge and really spiked my motivation. I became ambitious about going into that kind of work. I want it to be my career, you know? I want to go into that stuff.”
Kristy
WorkFirst Graduate
“I’m a visual learner and my Goodwill Job Coach made using the computer very practical. Her approach made the lessons stick. I have purpose in working with children, and feel like I am giving back to my community. I’ve gone from being unsure of my direction, to doing a job I love.”
Kim
Ticket to Work Graduate
“I was living with my daughter, depending on my kids for support, and the money I was getting couldn’t even pay my half of the rent. It was like I was stuck out in an ocean and I didn’t know how to find a way out. Once I found Goodwill, it was like my lifeline out of the ocean. It literally changed my life.”
Mario
Veteran Services Graduate
“As I progress to a higher grade in my job, it’s more admin work, more paperwork, more professional communications. These digital skills will help me with career advancement!”
Steven
Youth Internship Graduate
“I needed structure in my life, but didn’t know how to get there. Goodwill shows you where to start on a path and helps you when you need it along the way. This whole industry exits that no one knows about. Goodwill will open doors like that.”