When Bryan first connected with Goodwill Kentucky, he wasn’t sure what to expect. He had visible needs and was uncertain about how to begin his journey back into the workforce. But that uncertainty faded after his first visit to the Lexington Opportunity Center.
“I sat down and looked over what my specific needs were,” he said. “I was provided with bus passes and clothing vouchers the same day I walked in. That kind of took me because I thought it was going to be a process.”
The very next day, Bryan was paired with his first career coach, Tasha, who helped him build a resume—and from there, everything started to fall into place. He completed our work-readiness training, enrolled at Bluegrass Community & Technical College to study Human Services, started working at our New Circle store, and secured reliable transportation through the Last Mile to Work program.
“They were really behind everybody who came in and applied themselves,” he said. “From that point on, that was my home. A lot of things started happening for me.”
Bryan’s latest milestone was earning his Peer Support Certification through our Work & Learn program—a major step toward his career goals.
“I couldn’t believe how Goodwill goes above and beyond,” he said. “I truly believe in that motto: A hand-up, not a handout. That’s what kept me going—I had to go to school, go to work, and take that long walk. Some days, I felt like giving up. But I stuck with it.”
As Bryan neared the finish line of his journey, he found crucial support from his most recent career coach, Kristen. She helped him navigate the final steps, offering encouragement and guidance when he needed it most.
“Truthfully speaking, I couldn’t have made the last leg of the race without her,” Bryan said.
Today, Bryan works for Optimal Living Services in Lexington, where he uses his certification to make a difference in the lives of others.
“My passion now is helping people who have been in my situation,” he said. “When I hear of guys who want to make a change but keep getting turned down or shunned because of their situation, I always encourage them to go to Goodwill and talk. Because if someone sees you trying, someone’s going to help you.”