S4E5: Taking Action: Empowering Veterans, Elevating Mental Health, and Celebrating Goodwill
May is Mental Health Month—and there’s no better time to highlight the powerful ways Goodwill is taking action in our community. In this episode of What’s Good, Goodwill?, we’re celebrating Goodwill Industries Week and spotlighting how our programs are helping veterans and individuals facing housing instability rebuild their lives.
You’ll hear real stories of resilience, like Jennifer’s journey from near homelessness to financial independence, and learn how Goodwill’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) and Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) programs provide critical support with lasting impact.
🎧 Tune in for stories of hope, strength, and the real difference community support can make—especially when mental health and stability are on the line.
Continue the cycle for good by sharing our podcast on social media and subscribing wherever you listen to podcasts.
LISTEN NOW:
GOODLINKS:
[2:27] Goodwill Industries Week
[6:52] May is Mental Health Awareness Month
[7:33] Bryan Stanfill, Director of Behavioral Health and Wellness at Goodwill and Mental Health Awareness
[12:02] How to support the mental health of others
[9:18] Military Appreciation Month and the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program
[21:00] Jennifer’s Journey with Goodwill’s Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) Program
[25:37] Dad Joke
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program
Goodwill’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program helps veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. SSVF has helped hundreds of people who have served in the US military find and keep a safe place to live.
SSVF may be able to help with:
- Deposits and rental application fees
- Rent
- Housing searches
- Applications for benefits you may qualify for and other services you may need
People that may qualify:
- Must have
- Served at least one day of active service in the US Military or
- Served in the US Military or US Reserves and were federally activated
- Must be living on a limited income
- Must:
- Be homeless or
- Have an eviction or termination of lease
Where is this available?
In Washington:
Spokane County
Stevens County
Lincoln County
Ferry County
Pend Oreille County
Whitman County
In Idaho:
Kootenai County
Shoshone County
Benewah County
Bonner County
Latah County
From Crisis to Confidence: Jennifer’s Journey with Goodwill’s HEN Program
Jennifer was one step away from homelessness and out of hope—until she found Goodwill’s Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) program. In this powerful episode, hear how one woman rebuilt her life, regained her confidence, and went from surviving to thriving. With the support of a caring case manager and the right resources, Jennifer found stable housing, a career she’s proud of, and a fresh start.
Tune in for a story of resilience, trust, and transformation—proof that with the right support, change is always possible.
Learn more about how the Housing and Essential Needs Program can help you by clicking this link.