What a Changed Life Looks Like
We Change Lives
At the heart of Goodwill are the people we serve. Each person has an inspirational story - whether it is one of recovery from financial dependence, addiction, disability, lack of education or past incarceration. Through determination and perseverance, our participants have triumphed over many obstacles in their path to self-sufficiency.
We would like to thank you for your continued support. Through your donations and purchases, you are making a difference in the lives of thousands of people in our community.
Sarah Pine
"I'm just a single mom who messed up and Goodwill has given me the opportunity to get my life back."
Sarah Pine came to Goodwill after a bout with drugs which led to losing her children, home, and her freedom. Having difficulty finding a job, Sarah entered Goodwill’s job training program. Seeing Sarah excel in the program, Goodwill gave Sarah a job and is helping with her education and to get her kids back. READ SARAH’S STORY
Graylin Ross – Graduate of the Year 2010
“Goodwill helped me a lot; gave me the potential to find a real job.”
For Graylin Ross, Goodwill’s job training program has meant being able to find a steady job and the satisfaction of living independently with his own apartment and car. When he came to Goodwill, he hadn’t had much luck with jobs, but he learned the importance of having a job and a good work ethic. READ GRAYLIN’S STORY
Margaret Hammonds - 2010 Achiever of the Year
“Goodwill changed my life. The staff taught me a lot. They motivated me.”
Margaret Hammonds came to Goodwill not knowing how to read or write which created a barrier to gaining employment. But she was motivated to change. She began a journey at Goodwill that led her to learn how to read, how to manage her finances, and how to run a restaurant. Her dedication made a lasting impression. READ MARGARET'S STORY
Eddie Leonard – Graduate of the Year 2009
“I am so blessed to have people put in my life at the time I needed them, and that was Goodwill.”
After dealing with the consequences of alcohol and drugs, Eddie decided to take charge of his life and find a good job. But with a criminal record and some physical limitations, Eddie ran into several obstacles on his way to employment. Goodwill helped Eddie overcome those obstacles and he feels blessed every day to be here. READ EDDIE’S STORY
Tiara Griffis – Achiever of the Year 2009
“Goodwill told me by getting a job, I would be independent and successful. They helped me do that.”
Diagnosed with a mild developmental disability, Tiara came to Goodwill with no work history and limited social skills. Tiara’s desire to learn and be successful impressed Goodwill’s staff who hired her after participating in Goodwill’s training program. Tiara’s work ethic and attitude earned her the 2010 Frank Lyon Achiever of the Year award. READ TIARA’S STORY
Kenneth Stout
“I love Goodwill. The people are great. The work they do. I just want to continue to be here.”
Functioning at a low level and predicted to never walk or talk hasn't stopped Kenneth Stout from becoming one of Goodwill’s best employees. Kenneth not only walks and talks, but his dependability and work ethic got Kenneth his shot at doing what he loves…driving a truck which he has been doing for Goodwill for over 40 years. READ KENNETH’S STORY
Stephanie Baker
“Goodwill has helped me gain back my independence, my income, and my self-esteem.”
A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Stephanie was attending Philander Smith College in Little Rock when she was in a devastating car accident in 1981. The accident left her paralyzed from the waist down, bound to a wheelchair, and eventually homeless. Goodwill helped Stephanie turn things around. READ STEPHANIE'S STORY
Michael Hurst
Without Goodwill and the job opportunities we provide for people with disabilities, Michael’s life would be grim
Michael's life would be very different without Goodwill. The alternative is that he would most likely live in an adult nursing home. But instead, for the past 40-plus years, Michael has been employed by Goodwill; he has earned a paycheck and contributed to Goodwill’s mission, one task at a time. READ MICHAEL'S STORY
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