Boone was born into poverty and as a result became homeless. He was able to find places to stay with different relatives, but he couldn’t find an opportunity to escape that cycle – until he was introduced to Goodwill nine months ago. “Every direction I tried on my...

May is Older Americans Month, a time to recognize the countless contributions that older adults make to our communities. At Goodwill, we celebrate Older Americans Month by sharing stories from our Senior Community Service & Employment Program (SCSEP), a program...

Kenny struggled on and off with addiction for 27 years before experiencing rock bottom, which came in the form of overdosing in a dumpster. He relocated to Kentucky for treatment, but was without a home, job, vehicle or support system, his addiction having destroyed...

Today, April 6, Angela is celebrating six months of sobriety after struggling with addiction for 30 years. As we recognize National Second Chance Month in April, we wanted to share her story and join in her celebration: Last year, Angela was arrested and spent 17 days...

When Claire was 19 years old, she made a mistake that put a blemish on her criminal background. While applying for a job last year, she was denied because of that record. Without the means to hire an attorney to have her record expunged, Claire didn’t have many...

Heather didn’t have a good childhood. Growing up in Covington, Kentucky, she was faced with family issues that eventually led her down a dark path. “That led me to using drugs and hanging out with the wrong people," she said. "I kept hanging out with the wrong people...

Originally from Louisiana, Akeim and his family were forced to move to Texas after Hurricane Katrina ripped through their community in 2005. Not long after, Akeim fell for a girl who lived in Kentucky. After experiencing multiple family issues, he wanted to find a way...

When Jaguar and his wife got divorced, he lost a lot more than just his significant other. He was out more than $100,000 and was forced to sleep in his car for two years. The most important loss, however, may have been Jaguar’s business contacts. He was a successful...

Nakia “physically felt the chains falling off” when she was approved to have her record cleared through Goodwill’s expungement services. Nakia became pregnant with her first child at age 15. She welcomed a baby girl who suffered medical issues for three years before...

After an 18-month prison sentence for a drug-related conviction, Nikki – a single mother of four – worked diligently to become a certified peer support specialist and training facilitator. In February 2022, accepted a job as program director for Supportive Roads...

When Alishia had her firstborn child, a son, he experienced medical complications. That forced her to take time off from work. Eventually, she made the decision to go back to school. Before going back to school, Alishia went through the KentuckianaWorks Power of Work...

Five years ago, Angie moved from Florida to Kentucky with her family. When it was time for her to look for a job, she wasn’t sure where to start. Angie wanted to find a job as soon as possible. Her search led her to Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, where she was hired...

Corey was looking for self-support resources earlier this year when he learned about Goodwill’s Louisville Opportunity Center at 909 East Broadway. When he arrived at the Center, he found so much more than he expected. “I came to Goodwill because I wanted to get $300...

Victoria began using drugs when she was 16 and was in active addiction for 22 years. When she realized she needed to change, she didn’t know how. A Letcher County native, Victoria’s journey led her to long-term treatment in Somerset. Despite a relapse, she completed...

Alexis had trouble finding a job because of her justice-involved background. While volunteering at Community Action in Elizabethtown, she was referred to Goodwill Industries of Kentucky and its Opportunity Center on Dixie Avenue in Elizabethtown. At the Opportunity...

Kim relocated to Kentucky from Florida where she last worked as a housekeeper. She faced many barriers that needed to be addressed – specifically emotional challenges that left her nearly paralyzed – before becoming employable. Because of these challenges, she...

In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month and on the heels of National Employ Older Workers Week, we want to feature one of our program participants and employees, Jose! In March 2022, Jose was referred to our Senior Community Service & Employment Program...

When Tim was living in an addiction recovery center, he didn’t know where his life was headed. He didn’t have a job or any connections to resources. He considered turning back to alcohol. But once he connected with the Louisville Opportunity Center and the many...

After serving a five-year prison sentence, Michelle left incarceration to stay at a faith-based transitional home – having only $60 and one pair of shoes to her name. “I knew it was going to be a hard road,” Michelle said. “I am in my mid-50s. It is hard to start over...