Jean-Paul said his life was “unpredictable” before he came to Goodwill. “There were good days, and bad days. It was quiet and some days, life was all over the place.” He didn’t have a routine, so it was hard for him to stay organized. Things changed when Jean-Paul joined Goodwill’s Supported Employment program. He learned […]
Jean-Paul Found Routine and Purpose Working at Goodwill Read More »
Johnny’s life was hard for a long time. He struggled with addiction and made choices that led to trouble with the law. He was homeless for a long time. Each day he could only focus on survival. A better future felt out of reach. He didn’t have a safe place to live, and he felt
Johnny’s New Path to Success Read More »
Before coming to Goodwill, Brianna’s life was filled with challenges. She struggled with addiction, which led her to find herself in and out of jail. Each time she tried to start over, the cycle of addiction and the difficult lifestyle that came with it pulled her back down. She wanted to change, but she didn’t
Brianna’s Journey to Finding Freedom from Addiction Read More »
For Valarie, Goodwill has been more than a workplace—it’s been a place of new beginnings and second chances. Valarie grew up facing many challenges. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she eventually went to live with her grandparents. Later in life, she struggled with addiction, and lost contact with her mother. Eventually, Valarie
Valarie’s Story: Finding Family and A Home at Goodwill Read More »
Before working with Goodwill, Gary was out of a job and struggling to find direction. Each day felt the same, and he began to believe he wasn’t making a difference in the world. On top of that, Gary was dealing with health challenges that made it hard to stay motivated. He felt isolated, unsure of
Gary’s Journey of Confidence and Connection Read More »
Nelish started at Goodwill just four months ago, but he’s already made a strong impression. Before joining the team, he worked with a WFS case manager for almost a year to find employment. But they struggled to find him a job. When a position opened in the Goodwill store, his case manager asked the store
Nelish Found His Place at Goodwill Read More »
Josh first came to Goodwill in 2014 through Vocational Rehabilitation, where he started job training. He had been in other programs in high school, but Goodwill was different. It gave him his first opportunity to earn a paycheck. He worked as a participant at Goodwill until 2020. When the pandemic started, he had to find
Josh’s Journey: Participant to Job Coach Read More »
Living without a home often feels lonely and scary. Those are the words Annalisa chose to describe what her life was like when she was homeless. When she came to Goodwill for help it was the middle of winter, the hardest time of the year to be homeless. Not only was she dealing with the
Overcoming Homelessness: Annalisa’s Path to Safety and Success Read More »
Being homeless for a night is scary enough but imagine what it would be like to be homeless for almost 2,000 nights. That was the reality for Denise, who lived without a home for five years. She described her life as “a living nightmare” that was “mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausting, depressing, and hopeless.” Overwhelmed
Five Years Homeless to Forever Housed: Denise’s Story of Transformation Read More »
Destiny was emotionally drained, living in her car with her husband, two dogs, and one cat. She couldn’t get her husband to help with their situation, which left her feeling scared and alone. She was looking for resources and applying to different places to live, but none of her efforts were working. Because she was
Destiny Renewed Her Hope with Goodwill’s Veteran Program Read More »
All Goodwill Workforce and Family Services offices will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2025, in observance of Labor Day. Please plan ahead for access to employment assistance, job training, digital skills classes, and family support services before the holiday. Offices will reopen with regular hours on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. All Goodwill retail and
All Workforce and Family Services Offices Closed for Labor Day Read More »
Justin had a hard time managing his money on his own. He would spend all of his money all at once, which caused him to be late on his bills. He was in constant stress and felt unstable. That all changed when Justin connected with Goodwill’s Representative Payee Services program. With the support he received,
Finding Financial Peace Through the Goodwill Payee Program Read More »
For much of her life, Trisha was caught in the cycle of addiction, homelessness, brief recovery, then relapse. She was living on the streets and doing whatever it took to survive. Treatment centers helped while she was there, but without a place to live, or any income, she would struggle again after getting out. But
Trisha’s Journey: Breaking the Cycle of Addiction and Homelessness Read More »
To better serve our community, all Goodwill Workforce & Family Services offices will be closed on Thursday, July 17, 2025, for a full day of team member training. Our staff will be participating in professional development to continue improving the quality of services and support we provide. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this
All Workforce & Family Services Offices Closed Thursday, July 17 for Staff Training Read More »
When Mark first came to Goodwill, life was really tough. He had just had back surgery but did not have a home, so he was discharged to the streets. Before that, he had a small place, but it wasn’t big enough for him, his wheelchair, and his partner. Because of the situation, he didn’t qualify
A Veteran and His Forever Home Read More »
Before coming to Goodwill, Deborah was in a very hard and unsafe situation. She had been in a relationship where she was treated badly, both mentally and physically. During this time, she spent some time in jail and later went to treatment to get help for addiction. After she became clean and sober, Deborah knew
A New Life and New Purpose for Deborah Read More »
Christopher was enjoying life working at and living on a farm, and then one day the farm was sold. He had no place to go, the farm was his home. Camping became his only option, but that was scary. Soon he decided to try out living in a shelter, and that worked out for a
Finding Home Again: One Veteran’s Story of Hope Through SSVF Read More »
Goodwill has a special program to help you get training for a better job. It’s designed for people who want to learn new skills but don’t have the time or money to go to college. With funding from Google.org, Goodwill can offer free online classes for Google Certifications in Project Management, IT Support, IT Automation,
Training for the Future — Thanks to Google and Goodwill Read More »
It’s scary to not know what tomorrow will be like when you are homeless. Will you have a place to sleep? And where? These were the thoughts in Kerry’s mind when he, his fiancée, and their baby daughter were homeless. Without jobs, a car, or a place to live, they felt like life couldn’t get
Kerry’s Family, Once Homeless, Now Together in Their Own Home Read More »
There was a time when Jennifer didn’t know how she was going to be able to pay her next month’s rent. She was stuck in a time of deep struggle, and everywhere she looked for help didn’t work. “I was one foot away from being homeless again,” she said. She has been let down too
Jennifer’s Story: From No Confidence to Pride in Her Journey Read More »
Before coming to Goodwill, life was pretty quiet for Jeffrey, and honestly, kind of boring. There wasn’t much to look forward to each day. But that all changed when he got a job at Goodwill through the Medicaid Supported Employment program. Now, he gets to work with others and feels like part of a team.
Goodwill: The Community and Purpose that Jeffrey Needed Read More »
Tony has worked at Goodwill for over 10 years. In that time, he has learned many life skills and made strong friendships. But life wasn’t always like this for him. Before joining the DDA program at Goodwill—a program that supports people with developmental disabilities—Tony’s days were quiet. He didn’t have many chances to be independent.
Tony’s Decade of Growth and Belonging Read More »
At the beginning of the year, Timothy had to leave his home with his three-year-old daughter after his significant other became violent. He left in that person’s car but because that car was not his, he had to return it. That left him without any transportation. So, he went to a
A Fresh Start: How Goodwill Helped Timothy Rebuild His Life Read More »
Michael had been living at a halfway house for over a month when he came to Goodwill’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) in July 2024. Before this he had been incarcerated and did not know where to look for help at first, because he had very limited resources. But he knew that he needed
Living with a disability can be hard. It can hold you back in many ways and make it difficult to do things like find a job. This is what Shawna was experiencing when she came to Goodwill. She has Dyslexia, a disability that makes it hard to read and write. It made staying with a
When Dreams Come True: Goodwill Helped Shawna Live the Life She Wanted Read More »
Our customers donated $336,356.32 in 2024 to help Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest change lives in our communities. Your donations helped more than 1,700 people with housing and utility costs, transportation, computer classes, help finding a job, medical care, access to resources, basic needs, clothing and shoes, employment costs, training and more.
Round Up Report 2024 Read More »
Lost in the search for work Have you ever been without a job and didn’t know where to look for one? The process to get a job can feel hard. Sometimes you don’t know what kind of job you want, or what kind of job you have the skills for. And sometimes you struggle to
Fernando Found Work, Stability, and Family Read More »
Randy needed a job but didn’t know where to start looking for help. He didn’t know how to use a computer to look for a job. So he went to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) Job Placement Program. The DVR sent him to Goodwill for help. Randy started working with Goodwill’s Workforce
From Uncertainty to Stability: Randy’s Journey to a Full-Time Job with Goodwill’s Help Read More »
https://youtu.be/SYNKqps90ZE?feature=shared After struggling to find a job despite working with various agencies, Travis came to Goodwill for help. With help from Goodwill’s Medicaid Supported Employment program, he began working at the Post Falls Goodwill in May 2024. Now, Travis says, “Goodwill makes me happy,” and he loves his job, especially the chance to dance at
Travis Found Joy and a Job He Loves at Goodwill Read More »
When TJ and Lori came to Goodwill, they were overwhelmed with stress. They worried about unpaid bills, rent, and their future. But in the summer of 2019, with help from Goodwill’s Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) Program, TJ finally felt a sense of relief. “I didn’t have to worry about being homeless,” he said.
TJ and Lori Gained Skills, Found Jobs, and Rebuilt Their Lives Read More »
Lost in Addiction and Homelessness Joseph was struggling deeply with addiction. His life was spiraling out of control, and he ended up homeless, living in a tent out in a field. He had to face harsh weather, animals, and other dangers. Joseph felt cut off from the world, and his health was getting worse. He
From Darkness to Light: Joseph’s Transformation with Goodwill’s Support Read More »
A Job That Didn’t Fit Before coming to Goodwill, Ricky had a job, but he could only work one day a month. He wanted to work more often but needed a job that fit his schedule and physical needs better. Ricky was also busy with Special Olympics and karate on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so his
Ricky’s New Routine: Finding the Perfect Job with Goodwill Read More »
Overcoming Shyness and Uncertainty When Alicia first came to Goodwill, she was very shy and unsure of herself. She hardly talked to anyone and seemed hesitant to work. It was challenging for her to complete tasks, and she often struggled to finish what she started. Goodwill’s Support Builds Confidence Goodwill saw the potential in Alicia
Alicia’s Quest for Confidence: How Goodwill Helped Her Shine Read More »
Struggling with Unemployment and Depression Peter was having a hard time in life. He was unemployed and spent most of his days playing video games. This made it hard for him to sleep at night. Peter tried to find a job, but he couldn’t keep one for more than a few days because he was
Peter’s Path to Success: From Gaming to Gaining a Job with Goodwill Read More »
Struggling to Find Help Robert was struggling with housing and didn’t know where to turn for help. He tried to get support from other organizations, but nothing seemed to work. He was stressed and worried because he had no idea what to do next. Goodwill Steps in with Support and Advocacy Then, Robert found Goodwill,
Robert’s Journey to Stable Housing with Goodwill’s Help Read More »
Life Before Goodwill After Danny graduated high school, he didn’t have much to do. He watched TV and went to church on Sundays. He felt like his life was boring. He needed something more fulfilling. That’s when he looked to Goodwill for some help. Discovering Goodwill’s Support Through Goodwill’s Group Supported Employment program, Danny got
Danny’s Independence and Success Continue with Goodwill’s Support Read More »
Facing Tough Challenges Life for Gigi was really hard. She was always moving from place to place, and nothing was consistent. She had to go through the court system and struggled with addiction on and off. This made it hard for her to keep a job. Whenever she had a relapse, she would lose her
Gigi’s New Beginning Read More »
Meghann struggled with homelessness and stayed in a shelter. It was cold, hectic, and not a great place to be. But it was better than being out on the streets. Meghann felt stuck, not knowing how to make things better. She couldn’t find a place to live that she could afford. She really needed some
Goodwill Guides Meghann’s Life From Cold and Chaotic to Warm and Welcoming Read More »
Shawn was referred to Goodwill through the Idaho Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (IDVR). Before coming to Goodwill, he had employment services from another company, but it wasn’t the best fit for him. So, Shawn chose Goodwill for support. Balancing Social Skills at Work At first, Shawn struggled with completing tasks and following directions. He was
Shawn Discovers the Right Job Fit with Goodwill Read More »
Struggling on the Streets Antonio was having a really tough time. He was homeless and living on the streets, struggling with addiction. Every day was a battle just to find enough to eat and feed his addiction. But deep down, Antonio was tired of living this way. He knew he needed help to change his
Antonio’s Second Chance with Goodwill’s Support Read More »
In March of 2023, Nicole reached out to Goodwill for some help finding a job. She connected with Goodwill’s Foundational Community Supports (FCS) program. The FCS program helps people like Nicole find stable housing and employment. And they teach important skills to help people succeed at work. Working Together for Success Nicole and her employment
Goodwill Guides Nicole to Finding Job Joy Read More »
Life before Goodwill was tough for McGavin. He struggled to find housing stability. He was in transitional housing, which means he had a place to stay temporarily. But things weren’t looking well for him. He couldn’t pay his rent, and he was on the edge of becoming homeless again. It felt like he was stuck
McGavin Discovers Stability, Hope, and a Way Forward Through Goodwill Read More »
Leahda found stability and independence thanks to Goodwill’s FCS program. From living in a motel to having a place to call home, her story shows how powerful community support can be.
How Goodwill Became Leahda’s Light in a Housing Storm Read More »
Jose’s life was not easy. He struggled with addiction and was in and out of prison for many years. He had no idea how to live life independently, and he needed help taking the right steps to achieve his goals. Road to Independence with Goodwill’s Support After his release from prison, Jose moved into sober
Goodwill Helps Jose Break Barriers and Transform His Life Read More »
Read about Caleb’s success in finding the right support with Goodwill’s Group Supported Employment services!
Caleb’s Source of Joy and Fulfillment with Goodwill Read More »
Jayson is a confident person and got job help from Goodwill’s Extended Employment Services program. For 15 years, Jayson has been part of a great journey, facing challenges and finding success along the way. Before Goodwill Before Jayson joined Goodwill, finding the right job was hard. He found Goodwill’s Extended Employment Services program through the
Jayson’s Resilience Shines with Goodwill’s Support Read More »
Read how William’s life transformed with a hand up from Goodwill’s Foundational Community Supports program.
William Gets a New Lease on Life with a Hand Up From Goodwill Read More »
Discover Sarah’s journey with Goodwill over two decades, shaping her life and well-being. From finding purpose to overcoming challenges, Goodwill has been Sarah’s guiding light. Read her heartwarming success story.
Sarah Finds Purpose and Pride with Goodwill Read More »
Navigating Stress and Uncertainty Kerri’s life used to be full of stress and uncertainty. She spent a lot of time looking for a job. But her money was running out, and things were getting tough. Kerri felt stuck and didn’t have many choices. Financial struggles were making her life really hard. A Path to New
Kerri’s Life Changes Since Skill-Building and Growth with Goodwill Read More »
Emma has been an important part of our team at the Coeur d’Alene Goodwill store for eleven years. She is employed through Goodwill’s Extended Employment Program. This program helps people who need support with on-the-job skills and training. A Sudden Setback: Emma Faces Homelessness In 2023, Emma faced a big challenge. Her apartment flooded and
From Disaster to New Hope: Goodwill’s Support for Emma Read More »
After being forced into early retirement due to health concerns, Ray had to close his business and struggled financially. Living off his Social Security wasn’t enough to comfortably live. Goodwill’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families program helped Ray into stable housing and helped him gain more of his veteran benefits. Read his success story and learn how Goodwill can help you, too.
Empowering Triumph: Ray’s Ride to Success with Goodwill’s Help Read More »
When life got really hard for Renee, she didn’t give up. First, she lost her husband. And then her doctor told her she had stage 3 cancer. Things were tough, and she ended up living in her car. Renee knew she needed help. So, she decided to move to Spokane to start fresh. Seeking Help
Renee’s Cancer-Free Victory with a Hand-Up from Goodwill Read More »
Sage struggled with a lot of stress, threats of eviction, and no money for food. It seemed impossible for them to find a job that would accommodate them. They felt lost, not knowing where to turn. But then Sage found help at Goodwill through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) program. Sage went to Goodwill
Sage’s Hope Restored With Employment Support From Goodwill Read More »
“I’ve got a place to lay my head that I can call my own. That’s huge for me!” -Tim A Turning Point: Tim’s Release From Prison After spending 22 years behind bars, Tim’s release from prison marked a turning point in his life. But he struggled to find stable housing upon his release. With no
From Prison to Peace: How Goodwill Helped Change Tim’s Life Read More »
In 2015, Tony moved to Spokane, Washington, looking for a fresh start. But things didn’t go as planned. He found himself battling addiction and homelessness. Feeling lost and alone, he didn’t know where to turn for help. Then a close friend of his referred him to Goodwill, and that’s where everything changed. The Power of
Tony’s Triumph: Surviving Addiction and Homelessness with Goodwill’s Support Read More »
Amanda is an amazing person who proves that disabilities don’t limit who you are. Even though she is nonverbal and has difficulty with some things, Amanda’s personality is still bright and shines through. She’s funny, smart, and has a family that loves her very much. Amanda reminds us that it’s important to be proud of
Amanda: A Special Person With a Joyful Spirit Read More »
Noah was fresh out of high school and looking for his first job. He was ready to begin his path in the workforce. But he didn’t know what he wanted to do. Finding a job that matched his skills and goals felt overwhelming to him. He needed help. So, he found help from Goodwill’s job
Unlocking Opportunities: How Goodwill Opened Doors For Noah Read More »
Shane had a difficult time throughout his life, moving from state to state and struggling with substance abuse. He struggled with substance abuse for a long time. Then one day, he decided to make the jump and begin his recovery. A Path to Recovery Shane found a place to live in a recovery housing program,
How Goodwill Helped Shane Overcome Addiction and Reclaim His Life Read More »
Josh had a difficult time with addiction. After years of struggling with substance abuse, he decided to find help and turn his life around. But he learned that recovery was not easy. He needed a place to turn to that felt safe and he needed stable housing. This became an important part in his healing
A Home for Healing: Goodwill’s Role in Josh’s Recovery Read More »
Read Ky’s success story on how she found the dream job that fit her needs with help from Goodwill’s Employment Services.
From Dream to Reality: Ky’s Success With Goodwill’s Employment Services Read More »
Veteran homelessness is an issue that plagues our society, leaving those who have served our country without stable housing. But stories like Brian’s remind us of the power of organizations like Goodwill in making a difference. Discover how together, we can help change the lives of veterans who face the harsh reality of homelessness. Brian
Brian’s Journey To Finding Housing Stability With Goodwill’s Support Read More »
Looking for job opportunities in Moscow, Idaho? Read Johanna’s story on how Goodwill’s Workforce & Family Services helped her gain independence through their Medicaid Supported Employment program. With job coaching, skill-building, and a welcoming community, Johanna gained confidence and landed a job she enjoys. Learn how Goodwill can help you too.
Reaching Goals with Goodwill’s Help: Johanna’s Success Story Read More »
All Workforce and Family Services offices in eastern Washington and north Idaho will be closed on Friday, August 25th from 11 AM to 5 PM for a staff training event. Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to seeing you when we re-open on Monday, August 28th.
Workforce and Family Services offices closed for training. Read More »
Kioana spent a year living in a shelter. She struggled to take care of herself. It was her first time living on her own. And she wasn’t prepared to take on all the personal responsibilities that she needed. So, she moved into an assisted living facility. Here, she got help with managing things like her
Empowering Independence: Kioana’s Journey to Self-Sufficiency with Goodwill’s Support Read More »
Since 1989, John battled addiction and had mental health concerns. He struggled to keep his sobriety. He participated in drug counseling and rehabilitation services. But it never seemed to stick. Then, in 2003, he moved to Spokane and remained free from opiates. But a new cycle of addiction began with another drug. In 2019, John
John’s Journey to Sobriety, Stability, and Stronger Bonds Read More »
Timothy had trouble finding a job. He needed a job that could accommodate his learning and physical disabilities. He relied on his Social Security benefits. But it wasn’t enough. He and his son lived in a motel. Timothy needed more financial stability to better support him and his son. He searched for places that could
Timothy’s Story: Goodwill Helped Me Understand What I Really Want In A Job Read More »
Steven didn’t have the best of luck. He found himself without a home. He tried focusing on living each day, one at a time. His priority: survival. He found a place to shelter, but it wasn’t ideal. With no water, no heat, and no restroom, he was just surviving. Steven felt he was at his
Steven’s Story: Finding Hope and Stability with Goodwill’s Help Read More »
Jayme found the digital world difficult to keep up with. She used her mobile phone for her internet needs. But her vision wasn’t the best and she had to strain her eyes to see anything on such a small screen. She tried to find an affordable computer but didn’t have the income to buy a
Jayme gained better computer skills & tech knowledge with Goodwill’s help Read More »
Cole is a high school student and wanted to start building work experience. He needed help finding a job. So, he enrolled in the School to Work Program at Goodwill. This program helps students with developmental disabilities find a job before they graduate. And they get connected with adult support services. This helps students be
Goodwill helps Cole get a job for after high school Read More »
Anita wanted to finish her education. But she found it difficult to keep up her attendance and complete work on time. She had to share a computer with her seven children and husband. She didn’t want to put her schooling aside. And she didn’t want anyone else in her home to feel they needed to
Goodwill helps Anita find an affordable computer for her education Read More »
Michael shared living space in a home with several others. The home’s owner had to make changes, so they gave each person 30 days’ notice to move out. This put Michael in a very tough, unpredictable, and scary situation. There was no back up plan for him. He had nowhere to go. Suddenly, Michael was
Michael gets a new home with help from Goodwill Read More »
https://youtu.be/cUl536Zl30g Janet needed a job. She struggled to keep one for very long. Her confidence and self-worth dropped. And her interactions with other people changed. She needed encouragement. But she didn’t know where to find it. Then, someone told her about the employment services that Goodwill offers. Janet learned that there is an employment program
A new job and confidence for Janet with Goodwill’s help Read More »
Diana struggled to find work. She was shy and didn’t have much experience. She tried to get a job as a cashier but didn’t have the skills. Diana was a participant in Goodwill’s Basic Food Employment Training program once. So she knew Goodwill might be able to help her. She visited Goodwill’s Career and Resource
Goodwill helps Diana be successful and confident at a job she loves Read More »
Amy shopped at Goodwill for many years and knew that her purchases supported social services programs. She was proud to shop and donate at Goodwill. It felt good to help support people in her community. Rebuilding after loss In 2020, a fire raged through her town of Malden, Washington. Her home and everything she built
Amy’s shopping and donation destination, Goodwill, offers digital support. Read More »
Terri didn’t feel fulfilled with life. She didn’t have much to do but sit around. She was very shy and didn’t feel confident in herself. She wanted to overcome her shyness and find a job. But she wasn’t sure what to do to start a job. She knew she needed help. So, she reached out
Terri finds employment and fulfillment with help from Goodwill Read More »
Leanna struggled with homelessness until she got help from Goodwill’s Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) program. She was so thankful for Goodwill’s help getting her into stable housing. She felt like her life was heading in a better direction and she wanted to take advantage of this new opportunity. She was inspired to enroll back
Life is easier for Leanna with Goodwill in her corner Read More »
For years, Kevin was homeless. He lived in his van in a parking lot near a friend’s house. The van was operational, but he couldn’t legally drive it. Kevin’s driver’s license was void because of a medical condition that causes unpredictable seizures. It was too dangerous for him to drive, not knowing when a seizure
Things come full circle for Kevin with Goodwill’s help Read More »
Alexandria was down on her luck. Her wallet and phone had been stolen. There was nothing she could do to get them back. She tried all available options and decided to accept that the items were gone, and she would have to replace them. Since she no longer had a phone, she used her laptop
Goodwill helps Alexandria with a free laptop computer Read More »
Sophia was writing a book. It was hard for her to make progress at an efficient pace because her computer wasn’t reliable. She had many technical issues with it. She didn’t want to give up writing. But she struggled to find the patience she needed to work on her beat-up laptop. What she really needed
Sophia finds support for her passion from Goodwill’s Connect program Read More »
Lindsey needed support in most areas of her life. She needed help with making and keeping appointments, completing paperwork, and communicating with others. She didn’t do many things on her own. And she longed to gain more independence. She wanted a job to gain work and social skills. And she thought getting a job would
Christy wasn’t satisfied with how her life was going. She spent a lot of time sleeping in her car. She wanted to get a job so she could work toward a brighter future. She didn’t have a computer of her own. So she would visit the public library to use their digital resources. However that
Goodwill helps lift weight off of Christy’s shoulders Read More »
Tyler found communicating difficult. It wasn’t easy for him to talk to people face-to-face. He thought if he could communicate digitally, it wouldn’t be such a struggle. But he didn’t have a computer or internet connection. In addition to wanting to communicate with people, Tyler also wanted to get a job. He thought that would
Tyler gains communication skills and connects to the digital world with Goodwill’s help Read More »
Amy was finishing her last year of high school. She was excited to find a job and begin adult life. But finding a job on her own was tough. She learned that the job market was competitive. And she didn’t know what skills she had and where those skills might fit in. She knew she
Goodwill helps Amy find a job she’s passionate about Read More »
Dorita struggles with her vision. Pages, signs, and screens were difficult for her to see. Because of these issues, she stopped going to college. She felt discouraged to continue because the text was so hard for her to read. She didn’t know what support she could get. The time came when she needed the internet.
The Goodwill Connect program helps Dorita get connected to the digital world Read More »
Lori had trouble with technology. She did not understand how to work the many types of devices available today. And she struggled to understand the operating systems that are always advancing and changing. She searched for help for over eight months with no luck. Discovering support Then she heard about services offered through the Goodwill
Lori gains computer skills and confidence thanks to the Goodwill Connect program Read More »
Army veteran Nicholas, his wife, and two children were homeless and living in a van. They struggled with homelessness for a while. They had to find a better living situation for their children. Some of their family took them in short term. But they couldn’t stay long. They didn’t know what help was available and
Goodwill offers a hand up to Nicholas and his family to get them into stable housing Read More »
Chaay lived in pure chaos. She struggled with substance abuse, mental health concerns, and homelessness. She spent many nights not knowing if she would have a safe place to rest her head. Chaay wasn’t happy with where she was in life and where her life was going. She was tired of living in the same
This episode of “What’s Good, Goodwill?” f features outreach team members and case managers from Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program. You’ll hear from Don Gillespie, Don Morrison, Tom Smith, and Cailin Carpenter as they talk about what SSVF does.
Podcast Episode 6: Together, we create opportunities Read More »
Stephen didn’t have access to a computer or the internet. He was in the process of looking for a job. He found that it was difficult to apply for jobs because so many applications have gone digital. Without a computer, this became a struggle for him. Stephen also wanted access to tools like resume builders
Stephen begins a new chapter, thanks to the Goodwill Connect program Read More »
Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest has five Representative Payee offices. The offices within Washington are located in Moses Lake, East Wenatchee, and Spokane. The offices in Idaho are located in Lewiston and Coeur D’Alene. The East Wenatchee office merged with the Moses Lake office in 2021. The payee program is a service that helps
Goodwill’s Representative Payee Program helped 1,252 in 2021 Read More »
The COVID-19 pandemic hit our community veterans hard. Shelters were closing their doors. This made it difficult for people to get the resources they needed. During the COVID-19 pandemic, more people needed money for housing. The SSVF program needed to hire 10 more people to help get more people into housing. They helped stay in
Goodwill’s SSVF program awarded additional funding in 2021 Read More »
David was incarcerated for 14 years at the Airway Heights Correctional Facility. At the time of his incarceration, David’s partner was pregnant. He didn’t get to build a strong relationship with his son after he was born. His son’s mother was reluctant to bring him to the correctional facility to visit David. As David’s son
David gets a new start on life, thanks to help and support from Goodwill Read More »
This episode of “What’s Good, Goodwill?” f features outreach team members and case managers from Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program. You’ll hear from Don Gillespie, Don Morrison, Tom Smith, and Cailin Carpenter as they talk about what SSVF does.
Podcast Episode 5: Veteran Services at Goodwill Read More »
For several years, Dianna was unemployed. She wanted to work. But finding employment on her own became a frustrating task. She needed a permanent job that would fit her needs. She didn’t know what skills she had and what skills she needed to improve. So, she started looking for help. Then she came across information
Goodwill helps Dianna find a job that fits her needs Read More »
Chriselda struggled with substance abuse for many years. She was homeless in Tri-Cities, Washington. It wasn’t the best place for her. She was surrounded by influences and situations that made it difficult for her to get sober. Her family lived in Spokane. So she didn’t have a lot of contact with them. Sometimes, she would
Chriselda found peace, thanks to Goodwill’s support Read More »
Donna is a stay-at-home, single parent to two teenagers. One of her children has special needs. They need round-the-clock supervision. But Donna needed to find a job to continue supporting her family. She became stressed and overwhelmed. She wasn’t sure what work skills she had and what skills she needed to gain to get a
Goodwill helped Donna learn new skills that she can apply to a new job Read More »
Gerrit struggled with alcohol abuse. He wanted to get clean and stay clean. So he put himself in a drug and alcohol recovery program. He stayed focused and on track with the program. Over time, he completed the program and moved into a sober living home. He shared this home with eight other people. It
Goodwill helps Gerrit gain stable housing Read More »
Carla was not happy with her life. She felt like life was passing her by. She felt bored and not content with how things were going. She wanted to get out of the house and work. And she wanted to feel like she was contributing to society while doing something she loved. Carla heard about
Carla found value, purpose, and motivation through Goodwill Read More »
Dennis is a Navy veteran from Spokane. He took care of his wife, who was in a wheelchair. They moved around a lot because of her health concerns. And moving in the middle of a lease hurt their rental history. Dennis had help from Goodwill’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) in the past. But
SSVF helps Dennis and his wife get a home they can call their own Read More »
This episode of “What’s Good, Goodwill?” features Program Manager Junior Gonzalez and secondhand shopping guru Rachel.
Podcast Episode 4: Employment Programs and Secondhand September Read More »
Tina was homeless and lived in her car. In May 2021, she was in a car accident. She was driving alone down an empty street at night. Another driver passed her with their high beams on. And before Tina’s eyes could readjust to the night, she drove her car off the road. She rolled down
Tina got help from services she can count on, thanks to Goodwill Read More »
John spent 25 years in prison. It was bittersweet when he got released in August 2021. He gained freedom. But he was heading for the streets. He had no home, no friends, no family, and no support system. He checked himself into the cheapest motel he could find. He had health concerns that added to
Goodwill helps John manage his freedom Read More »
Lorri was comfortable, living in an apartment that she liked. She worked full-time. But due to several medical concerns, her employer let her go. She had a modest fixed income and was comfortable. She didn’t think anything would disturb her comfort. Then her rent increased by hundreds of dollars. Her home became unaffordable. She felt
Lorri gets her comfort back thanks to Goodwill Read More »
After prison, Elmer lived on the streets for five or six years. He struggled to get into a healthy routine, away from negative influences. It was difficult for Elmer to change his lifestyle while he was still surrounded by crime and drugs. He felt helpless and hopeless. A friend of his was in Goodwill’s Housing
Goodwill’s HEN program helps Elmer off the street and in a home Read More »
For more than 30 years, Terry battled homelessness. He was a drifter and loved life on the open road. He has lived in and traveled through more than 38 states. For an “old farm boy,” this was ‘living the life.’ Every day was a new adventure. To Terry, home was simply a place where he
Goodwill’s SSVF program finds Terry a home Read More »
What’s Good? We’d like to tell you. The answer is career resources! Goodwill offers a variety of free tools to help you on your way to getting a better job. Goodwill offers free one-on-one help for those who may not have access to a computer, the internet, computer programs, or who don’t know where or
Podcast Episode 2: Goodwill Digital Connections Read More »
Trina worried about living in a small house with four adult family members. The space was too small for everyone to live comfortably. She needed to find a space of her own. She didn’t know what to do. Trina has been enrolled in Goodwill programs since 2018. She met with her Foundational Community Support (FCS)
Goodwill helps Trina find a place she can call home Read More »
Dean struggles with health issues. He has limited language abilities. It was difficult for him to communicate and work with ease. He also has mobility issues. He needed help becoming a stronger communicator. So he came to Goodwill. He started a job at Goodwill, sorting and tagging clothes. And he got help from Goodwill’s employment
Goodwill helps Dean gain stronger communication skills Read More »
Before coming to Goodwill, Drew’s life was carefree and careless, but he needed more. He needed a stable job. But he wasn’t sure how to get started. Drew started working with a job coach at Goodwill. With their help, he got a job. Drew feels more like an independent adult with his new job. He
Drew gains stability by getting a job at Goodwill Read More »
Keely had little work experience. She needs a walker and has trouble reaching and lifting. She felt limited in her job choices. With time and help from Goodwill, her worries started to ease. Keely learned that there are many things that she could do despite her disabilities. As long as she stays determined, she
Keely overcomes barriers and builds work experience Read More »
How does HEN help people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless? Listen as Program Manager Jenn as well as case managers Christina and Kim chat about how the housing program works and how to qualify. Learn how they connect people in Spokane County with housing, everyday resources, community partners, and other Goodwill
Podcast: What’s Good with the Housing and Essential Needs Program (HEN)? Read More »
Thomas has a disability that makes communicating difficult. Conversation isn’t easy for him. And business language is confusing. Because of these challenges, Thomas worried about finding a job. But he wanted a job. So, once he graduated high school, Thomas started looking for his first job. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) referred Thomas to
Goodwill helps Thomas realize his dream at Krispy Kreme Read More »
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Phyllis worked for MOD Pizza in Lewiston with a job coach. She was getting help from Goodwill’s extended employment services. Even though many people were furloughed, she continued working for MOD Pizza. She continued to work even though her job coach was furloughed. Once restrictions from the pandemic lifted, Phyllis’ job
Goodwill’s 2021 Graduate of the Year: Phyllis Read More »
Ben has a ton of heart, incredible focus, and a passion to grow and meet goals. He’s learned a lot on the job within the laundry department at Kootenai Medical Center. He has an energy and sense of humor that is fun to be around. Ben is admired for his dependability and people skills. He
Goodwill’s 2021 Independence Award Winner: Ben Read More »
Yvonne and her seven kids were escaping domestic violence and abuse. They tried finding shelter at scattered homeless sites. All eight of them were living in her small sedan. This made it incredibly difficult to navigate and manage everyday life. From managing the children’s school life, all types of appointments, and regular activities outside of all
Goodwill’s Foundational Community Support program encourages mom Read More »
Toby finds the good in every moment and moves forward through hard ones. If he has a difficult day, he tells himself “You are supposed to [have bad days] so you can tell a good day.” Toby’s been trying to make the world a better place since childhood. He got an award for leadership when
2021 Independence Award Winner: Toby Read More »
Matthew didn’t have a place to live when he came to Goodwill for help. He was so happy when we helped find a home for him and his three children. An electrical fire started in the home. But luckily Matthew quickly put it out. Goodwill helped Matt’s family rent a storage unit and hotel while
Matthew works hard to shelter his family Read More »
In Jerry’s 37 years at Goodwill, he has impressed coworkers with the pride he takes in his work. He shows incredible attention to detail. This includes waxing clothing racks, removing empty hangers, and adjusting items that are out of place to improve every customer’s experience. During his breaks, Jerry checks in on all his buddies.
2021 Independence Award Winner: Jerry Read More »
Aaron joined the Ecommerce team part-time in 2021. His work ethic and great attitude got the attention of his team. And he was soon asked to work full time. Aaron is an exceptional team member and individual. Nothing holds Aaron back. Aaron doesn’t have arms, so he uses his mouth and feet to do everything.
Aaron inspires with his work ethic, humor and charisma Read More »
Jim was lonely. He felt shy and struggled to make friends. When he was around groups of people, Jim had difficulty taking part in conversations or speaking up at all. After getting some help from Goodwill, Jim moved away in 2016. When he came back in 2018, he knew where to find help getting a
Jim gets a job and builds relationships with help from Goodwill Read More »
There are many people in our communities who do not have a computer or can’t get to a computer. And many don’t know how to use a computer. Those things make it hard for them to get a good paying job or get help they need with other things in life. Our Goodwill has teamed
Goodwill Connect program tackles digital equity and training across Washington state. Read More »
Michael, who is a veteran of the Navy, Kendal, and their four children were living in a camper trailer. It was so crowded that the couple had to sleep head-to-toe to fit on a converted futon. The family includes a 7-year-old, two 4-year-olds and a 2-year-old. Every night, they crowded into the bed and slept
Michael’s family gets a new home in time for Christmas Read More »
Joshua came to Goodwill in 2015. He had graduated high school, and he wanted to earn money. Goodwill’s employment program helped Joshua get ready to find a job. With help from a job coach, Joshua created a resume and an email account. He practiced a lot with Goodwill staff for interviews. Goodwill helped Joshua get
Joshua Finds a Job He Loves Read More »
Kohl and his wife were staying at a homeless shelter with their two kids. The family had been homeless for two years. They lost their last rental after their lease ended and the rent went up. The couple had been working but were unable to find housing. They had some problems to overcome. Kohl enrolled
Kevin was struggling with work skills and housing when he came to Goodwill. “Life was hectic,” Kevin said. He described his life as jumbled, and he had a lot of things going on without a lot of support. Kevin needed some resources, some skills, and a little support. And he found that at Goodwill. The
BFET connects Kevin with a job Read More »
Veteran housing search a success with help from Goodwill’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program In 2020, Jimmy was renting a room from some people, but the property manager didn’t know that Jimmy was living there. Because Jimmy was not on the lease, the manager asked him to move out. With no money and
Jimmy finds more than he hoped for in Post Falls Read More »
Shad came to Goodwill needing help finding a job.
Shad finds a job with help from Goodwill Read More »
Steven moved to Spokane to care for his brother. When his brother’s had to move to a care facility, Steven could no longer afford the rent.
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) helps Veteran find a home Read More »
Michael has been a Goodwill employee for several years. He is a valued member of our Ponderay team. Every day Michael is smiling and happy to do any task assigned to him. Michael is not limited by barriers. He does his best to complete any task, even cleaning. Michael never gives up or has any
2020 Independence Award Winner: Michael Read More »
Edwin doesn’t allow barriers to get in the way of communicating. He frequently engages with staff to see if anything is needed or to just have a chat. His patience is phenomenal when it comes to understanding through the language barrier. Edwin’s independence shows when he is working. He doesn’t need his boss or someone
2020 Independence Award Winner: Edwin Read More »
When Johanna returned to work in September 2020, she and her job coach agreed it was time for her to work more independently. Johanna has been with Goodwill for four years and knows the work like the back of her hand. She was, therefore, able to assume responsibility for choosing what work took priority. She
2020 Independence Award Winner: Johanna Read More »
Chase has worked with Goodwill in Moses Lake for several years. He completes every task and objective he is given, and he is always ready and willing to work on anything that comes his way. Over the years, Chase has become more independent and confident at work, and today he needs little to no supervision
2020 Independence Award Winner: Chase Read More »
Athena hit rock bottom. A mental health breakdown put her in the hospital, and when she was released, she was homeless. She had no one to count on except herself, but she didn’t think of herself as a dependable person. She had been struggling with homelessness for almost four years and was in a toxic
Athena sees light now, thanks to Goodwill Read More »
Scott wanted to find a job he liked. With help from Goodwill, he is working toward his dream.
Scott finds a job and works toward his dream Read More »
Sometimes life throws us a curve ball. In 2008, Mike lost his job and his home. After a few months at Union Gospel Mission, Mike moved into Pioneer Victory House for homeless veterans. He lived there until Healthcare for Homeless Veterans helped Mike get his own apartment in 2011. Mike was living semi-independently with support for rent
Mike gains housing, builds skills with help from Goodwill. Read More »
Steven lost his wife, his health, and his job, and then lost his housing. How long could he live out of his ca
Steven finds hope again with help from Goodwill. Read More »
Life was difficult for Francis. He woke up every morning wondering how he was going to get through the day. He said he had no sense of purpose or light at the end of the tunnel.
Francis changes his life, finds housing with support from Goodwill Read More »
Gerald had been living in Helena, Montana, but needed surgery at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center.
Veteran moves into housing with help from Goodwill SSVF program Read More »
Lindsay will soon celebrate eight years with Papa Murphy’s
One job turns into two for Lindsey Read More »
