LEXINGTON, KY. – Goodwill Kentucky and Diageo North America celebrated graduates of the ‘Learning Skills for Life’ program at the nonprofit’s Lexington Opportunity Center on Friday, highlighting individuals who completed free workforce training designed to prepare them for careers in the hospitality industry.
The graduation celebrated the continued partnership between Goodwill Kentucky and Diageo to expand access to workforce training, career coaching, and employment opportunities for Kentuckians. Since the partnership began in 2025, more than 240 individuals have completed the program through Goodwill Kentucky, including Mandy Ford, who graduated on Friday.
“This has been an amazing experience,” Mandy said. “Hospitality is ensuring every guest feels seen and creating magical moments that wow. This program has given me the skills and confidence to take the next step in my career and make a difference in the lives of others.”
Through Diageo’s ‘Learning Skills for Life’ program, participants gain practical skills in customer service, food safety, job readiness, leadership, and financial literacy. Goodwill Kentucky career coaches provide personalized guidance to help participants translate their training into employment opportunities and take meaningful steps toward long-term career success.
The celebration follows the renewal of the partnership, supported by a $100,000 grant from Diageo. The renewed investment is expected to serve approximately 125 individuals.
“Goodwill Kentucky is grateful to continue our partnership with Diageo and expand opportunities for Kentuckians to build careers in hospitality,” said Dennis Ritchie, vice president of mission strategy and impact at Goodwill Kentucky. “This investment provides valuable training and support that can help individuals move toward greater economic stability.”
Through programs like ‘Learning Skills for Life’, Goodwill Kentucky helps equip Kentucky neighbors with practical skills and personalized career coaching to help them overcome barriers to employment, build financial stability, and find pathways out of poverty. For more information about Goodwill Kentucky’s programs and services, visit GoodwillKY.org.
About Goodwill Kentucky
For more than 100 years, Goodwill Kentucky has helped Kentuckians find pathways out of poverty through the transformative power of work. Operating in 103 of Kentucky’s 120 counties, Goodwill Kentucky places over 3,000 Kentuckians into jobs each year through its 1,400-plus employer partners and its own retail stores. These life-changing opportunities are made possible through donations to Goodwill Kentucky stores and community support. The organization reinvests approximately 90 cents of every dollar earned in its retail stores into job training and workforce programs. When you give to Goodwill, you do a lot of good.