Tevin was homeless when he learned about Goodwill.
Tevin accepted one day of work as part of Goodwill’s Another Way program. Program leaders use Goodwill transportation to canvass highly trafficked areas of the city, such as homeless shelters, highways, byways and street corners, pick up willing workers and take them to worksites around the city for four hours of work. In return, the participants earn $50, lunch and an introduction to the internal and external barrier-reduction resources at Goodwill’s Louisville Opportunity Centers.
As a result, Tevin obtained proper identification, upgraded his resume and attended rehabilitation.
“I needed the money of course, but it was so much more than $50,” Tevin explained.
Tevin was later hired at the Middletown Goodwill store as a production clerk before he was promoted to team leader and then assistant manager at the Broadway location. He is currently working towards his GED through Goodwill’s employee Work & Learn program, which allows employees to pursue educational opportunities and still earn a paycheck. Goodwill’s Housing program has also provided him with a place to live.
“It really is a hand up, not a handout,” Tevin said. “If you trust the process, you can go far. I am most proud that I am not today who I was yesterday.”
Each year, thousands of poverty-stricken Kentuckians like Tevin take advantage of Goodwill’s programming. For more information, visit GoodwillKY.org.