Goodwill’s mission is to help people transform their potential into opportunity, and employees Josh and Steven are living proof of that. Both Josh and Steven began their careers at Goodwill as Material Handlers at the Goodwill Distribution Center in downtown Chattanooga. Each had a goal: to advance their skills and open doors to new opportunities. Steven came to Goodwill with forklift operating experience, but his certification had lapsed. Once he began working at Goodwill, he learned that Goodwill hosts a forklift operator training course at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus in Chattanooga. “I knew I was capable of doing more,” said Josh. “I needed my forklift certification in order to accomplish this.” “Steven and Josh entered the forklift program facing two very different challenges, yet both were determined to grow,” said Kai, Goodwill Distribution Center/Transportation Manager. “Steven was returning to the workforce and working to rebuild his confidence in operating heavy equipment. Josh had never driven heavy machinery and wanted to gain a new skill. The forklift class helped bridge those gaps. Their success shows how the right training can empower individuals and strengthen career opportunities.” The Goodwill’s forklift course, in conjunction with Sunbelt Rentals and the Tennessee Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services/Vocational Rehabilitation, features American National Standards Institute (ANSI) classes 1, 4, and 5 warehouse forklift operator certification and career readiness training. "Hosting these training events is just one way we contribute to our community and invest in the lives of our coworkers," said Rachel Inman, Vice President of Mission Services. "At Goodwill, we are dedicated to offering resources that support individuals in their job search and future career growth." “I love working at Goodwill,” said Steven. “I wish I had started working here earlier in my life.” If you are interested in attending an upcoming forklift operator training course, contact Cornisha Espey at (423) 634-2935 or cornisha.m.espey@tn.gov.
When Darren and Jodi made the decision to leave their longtime Florida home to help care for Jodi’s aging parents in Chattanooga, they never imagined how challenging the transition would be. They started their new adventure by buying a house in Chattanooga. Darren turned in his notice at his job at the United Way in Fort Myers, and Jodi resigned from her role as an Executive Vice President at a wealth management company. “We thought we would have no problem finding new jobs. We're both experienced in so many things,” said Jodi. Despite their impressive resumes and years of experience, weeks turned into months of job searching. The stress was mounting. Jodi shared her concerns with her friend in Florida, who reminded her that Goodwill offers free career assistance. Darren and Jodi visited the Goodwill Opportunity Center in East Brainerd. When they arrived, Opportunity Center Manager, Taryn, discussed their situation with them. She helped them update their resumes and connected them with resources and job leads tailored to their skills. Soon after, Darren accepted a job as Operations Manager at the United Way of Greater Chattanooga, and Jodi accepted a job as a Client Business Advisor with Unum. “I really enjoyed having the opportunity to help the Phillips family,” said Taryn, Goodwill Opportunity Center Manager. “At Goodwill, we know that career transitions can be overwhelming, especially when relocating to a new city. Our goal is to provide personalized support, whether it’s resume assistance, job leads, or confidence-building, free of charge, so that each person we help can move forward with hope and opportunity.” Darren And Jodi's Success is a testament to how the right support at the right time can turn uncertainty into opportunity. “I am positive that all of the guidance we received at the Goodwill Opportunity Center is what made the difference,” said Jodi. “Now we tell people we know who are job hunting to go to Goodwill.”
“I was a stay-at-home mom for many years,” said Sheree. “When my children got older, my aunt, who worked at Goodwill, encouraged me to apply for a position as a part-time cashier at the Hixson Goodwill store.” Sheree quickly rose through the ranks to Shift Lead, then Assistant Store Manager, and then Store Manager. Today, she is thriving as an Applied Jewelry Professional E-Commerce Associate in Goodwill’s E-Commerce Department. Sheree’s passion for learning didn’t stop there. Earlier this year, as part of professional development discussions, Sheree asked our former Director of Office Administration, Heather Harris, if she could take courses from the Gemological Institute of America during her workday to enhance her abilities in her new role. Goodwill supported the request, and Sheree began taking classes while continuing her jewelry-processing duties. At Goodwill, we strive to live out our commitment to our employees by integrating our mission and supporting each employee’s desire to stay, grow, or go through education, training, and employment. Through Goodwill's support and Sheree's diligence and effort, she has now earned the following diploma and credentials: Jewelry Essentials Certificate Colored Stone Essentials Certificate Diamond Essentials Certificate Applied Jewelry Professional Diploma “The funds that are obtained from the sale of donated items go to our mission to help people transform their potential into opportunity,” said Sheree. “I’m thankful that Goodwill helped me earn these credentials and this diploma.” Sheree desires a long future with Goodwill, where she can continue to build on Goodwill’s core value of continuous improvement while giving back to the community.
Burlington's Success Burlington recently collaborated with Goodwill Opportunity Centers in Chattanooga and Dalton to host a series of hiring events aimed at staffing Burlington store locations, including their new Fort Oglethorpe and Dalton stores. Burlington store managers Forrest Thomasson, Desmond Hubbard, and Carol Kambhampati shared that hosting hiring events with Goodwill proved to be significantly more desirable than holding hiring events at their own stores. “It was such a smooth process. Goodwill Opportunity Center staff members greeted applicants and made them feel welcome, which allowed us to focus on conducting interviews,” said Carol. Attendees were also invited to sign up for Goodwill’s free My Career Advisor online platform, which supports job seekers through every step of their career journey. The platform offers tools and resources for career exploration, resume building, training and education, and access to community resources. The collaboration between Burlington and Goodwill resulted in 132 job placements in our region. “Goodwill Opportunity Centers are a gold mine of a resource,” said Forrest. Desmond added, “I would definitely recommend that other employers reach out to Goodwill for hiring support.” Whether you're a job seeker or an employer in Southeast Tennessee or Northwest Georgia, Goodwill is here to help. Call (423) 629-2501 or visit www.goodwillchatt.org/missionservices.
Nikki's Success Story It was Nikki’s first day as a Goodwill employee. She always knew that she wanted a job centered on helping people, but she was still discovering exactly what kind of job that would be. While attending orientation at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus that day, Nikki learned that Goodwill employs a team of mission integration specialists to support, equip, and empower Goodwill employees. After she completed orientation, she met with Travis, her assigned Mission Integration Specialist. “During that meeting, I decided that I wanted to go to college to get a social work degree,” said Nikki. Travis shared information on how to apply for Tennessee Reconnect, a last-dollar scholarship that allows eligible adults to attend community or technical colleges tuition-free. Nikki completed the proper steps and received the scholarship. This fall, she began attending classes at Chattanooga State Community College! “Nikki’s journey is a true example of what dedication and perseverance can achieve,” said Heather, Director of Retail Operations. “She began as a store associate at Goodwill in November of last year. Through her hard work, positivity, and commitment to excellence, she rose to a shift lead position and now serves as an assistant store manager. Nikki leads with heart, inspires those around her, and lives out Goodwill’s core values and guiding principles. Her story is just beginning, and her future is as bright as her impact on our mission.” “Nikki is a determined and resilient individual who never stops striving to exceed expectations,” said Travis. “Her recent enrollment in college and advancement into a new management role are powerful milestones in her journey, and we’re excited to see what she’ll achieve next.” Interested in working for Goodwill? Visit www.goodwillchatt.org/careers to view available positions.
Denice Bizot Denice Bizot loves shopping at Goodwill . “I started thrifting when I was 18 or 19 years old,” said Denice. “I don’t like the thought of something going into a landfill. I’m even wearing some items from Goodwill today. ” Denice doesn’t just look for clothing and household items when she’s thrift shopping. She specifically looks for items she can repurpose. “I’ve always used found objects. I repurpose and reinterpret the things I find ," said Denice. "Recently, I came across some stretched canvas panels at the Goodwill store , and I thought, why not? Art for me involves constant evolution , and I find the idea of doing something different exciting.” *Denice’s artwork is in many private collections, including that of Catherine Zeta-Jones. You can view and purchase Denice’s canvas and metal art at the In-Town Gallery at 26A Frazier Avenue in Chattanooga. The next time you’re shopping at Goodwill, maybe you’ll find something that sparks your creativity. The possibilities are endless! Today is a great day to visit a Goodwill store near you or explore one you haven’t visited before: www.goodwillchatt.org/locations * Metal Sculptor Denice Bizot Turns To Canvas With New Show At The In-Town Gallery
JR.'s Success Story Larry “Jr.” Hall was referred to Goodwill through Vocational Rehabilitation . Junior participated in digital skills classes and completed 400 hours of training . After graduating from training, he began his job as a store associate at the Cleveland Goodwill store . Becky Sneed, Jr’s Vocational Rehabilitation counselor said, “Jr. was always positive and encouraging. I know he loves his job because that is where he can help and inspire others.” Jr. recently celebrated 3 years of service with Goodwill. Congratulations, Jr! At Goodwill , we partner with Tennessee and Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Services to support individuals on their journey to employment. Through our Employment and Training Services , participants may be referred for Vocational Adjustment Training , Job Readiness , and Job Placement support . This program offers individuals valuable time to build essential skills before entering the workforce. Participants receive support and guidance from a dedicated Job Coach, attend classes focused on nutrition , financial literacy , and workplace fundamentals , and develop digital skills to navigate today’s job market. We also provide personalized assistance with interview preparation, resume building , job search guidance , and continued support even after employment begins. Our goal is to empower individuals with the tools, confidence, and encouragement they need to succeed and thrive in their careers. To take advantage of Goodwill’s free career services, fill out the form at www.goodwillchatt.org/missionservices, visit https://www.goodwillchatt.org/OC to find an Opportunity Center, or call us at (423) 629-2501 ext. 7601.
Julia's Success Story Julia’s part-time job was no longer meeting the needs of her growing family. Something had to change. One day, her friend told her about the free career services that are available at Goodwill. The very next day, Julia reached out to Taryn, a Goodwill Opportunity Center Manager . “I had earned an associate’s degree , a bachelor’s degree , and a master’s degree , and I had experience as a grant writer, a marketing manager, and a fitness instructor,” said Julia. “I had all of this education and experience, but I couldn’t figure out how to best portray my varied work experience to employers. ” Taryn listened closely to Julia’s story, helped her organize her education and work history, and created a personalized plan. She provided a professional resume template, coached Julia on how to tailor her applications, and helped her identify transferable skills that she hadn’t yet considered. “It made a huge difference having Taryn on my side during my job search,” said Julia. “Navigating this process on my own had been discouraging. She encouraged me to apply for jobs I hadn’t discovered and even coached me on interviewing skills.” Julia’s job search was finally complete when she accepted a job as a Healthy Living and Wellness Public Health Educator at the Hamilton County Health Department . She is now using her education and diverse experience to make a meaningful impact on our community. “If you are struggling in your job search process, seek help from Goodwill,” said Julia. “They will support your search.” To take advantage of Goodwill’s free career services, fill out the form at www.goodwillchatt.org/missionservices, visit https://www.goodwillchatt.org/OC to find an Opportunity Center, or call us at (423) 629-2501 ext. 7601.
Autumn's Success Story Autumn Burt came to the East Brainerd Opportunity Center seeking help in advancing her career. Autumn was looking for a full-time, sustainable job in administrative work. After working with our Opportunity Center Manager on her resume, cover letter, and interview preparation, Autumn landed a job as an Administrative Office Assistant at Aspen Dental in February. “I love my job and being able to help fulfill the needs of our patients,” she said. In June, she was promoted to Office Manager. "Don't shy away from the opportunity to work with Goodwill," Autumn says, "it can only help you advance your career!" Congratulations Autumn! To take advantage of Goodwill’s free career services, fill out the form at www.goodwillchatt.org/missionservices , visit www.goodwillchatt.org/OC to find an Opportunity Center, or call us at (423) 629-2501 ext. 7601. #goodwillchatt
Hannah's Success Last week, Hannah graduated from our Vocational Adjustment/Work Ready program! She took part in the FUNdamentals of Work classes and completed over 200 training hours. Hannah said she has learned the importance of attendance, punctuality, and consistency throughout her time in the program. Next month, she will start college at Chattanooga State Community College, studying Digital Media Design and Production/Graphic Arts Technology. Congratulations Hannah!
Ellie Bublitz Success Story in collaboration with Goodwill Arkansas
Lexie Dill's Success
