Alicia’s life turned upside down when she left an abusive relationship. She and her 7-year-old son didn’t have a home, and she didn’t know what to do next. Every day was a battle to find a safe place to sleep and enough food to get through the day. Alicia wanted to take care of her […]
Alicia’s Journey: Turning Struggle into Strength 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 »
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 »
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 »
We are happy to share that Goodwill’s Colville store will move to a new location this year! In January, Goodwill bought Clark’s All Sports. Clark’s is found at 557 S. Main Street in Colville. Ray Clark started Clark’s All Sports in 1978. When Clark decided to retire and sell the store, Goodwill saw a chance
Colville Announcement Read More »
This month we celebrate the joyful story of Gladys Warren and Murrel Hill. Gladys and Murrel met at Goodwill and married. While looking through our Goodwill archives a few years ago, we found photos of Gladys and Warren’s honeymoon trip and holiday parties that they shared with their coworkers at Goodwill. A newspaper article appearing
Celebrating 85 years of Goodwill: Gladys and Murrel’s Goodwill Connection 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 »
Happy Birthday Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest. Today, we celebrate the 85th anniversary of our founding in Spokane in 1939. When we were first established as the Inland Empire Goodwill, our organization was: Housed in a small wooden shack in downtown Spokane, Washington. This is where our Administrative Building currently resides. 43 dollars in
Changing Lives for 85 Years 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
