A decade ago, Tammy’s addiction took control of her. At the time, she had a job and a 5-year-old daughter.
“My mom got custody of my daughter. I was out in the madness, running around for about three years,” Tammy said. “Then, in 2017, I got locked up in February and they put me in drug court. (Since then) I haven’t looked back.”
Tammy had to “completely start over.” While in drug court, she learned about the second chances offered by Goodwill. She was hired as a cashier in November of 2017. Since then, she has been promoted to Team Lead at the Shepherdsville store, Assistant Manager and Assistant Manager II at the Hillview store, and now, she serves as an Assistant Manager II at Mount Washington.
Most importantly, she said, she regained custody of her daughter, who is now 14, and has purchased her own home and a vehicle.
“It’s a very amazing feeling to own my own home,” she said, “especially being a single mother and knowing I’ve done it all on my own. I have a lot of pride.”
She’s also taken part in several of Goodwill’s programs and services, with help from Career Coach Steve Davis. GoodSmiles allowed her to get a whole new smile by paying for dental work on top of her insurance. She has had three misdemeanors expunged through Goodwill’s Expungement Program. She graduates from the GREAT Program, Goodwill’s internal management training program, on October 31. She even earned her GED through Goodwill’s Work and Learn program in October of 2023.
“It has been a whirlwind,” she said. “I’m just so thankful for my support group and everyone who pushed me. They’ve seen more potential in me than I see in myself.”
Tammy is also building her credit and has improved her digital skills. Before, Tammy said she would ask her daughter for help with technology.
“I’m not very technologically-savvy,” she said. “At work, you have a lot to keep up with. I’ve learned how to navigate stuff. Especially since I’ve become a team lead, I feel like I’ve grown in areas that I never have.”
Tammy is now seven years sober and said she takes pride in helping her employees the same way she was helped when she started at Goodwill.
“I love it,” she said. “It gives me a great sense of accomplishment to talk to people when they start their journey. I tell them, ‘There is hope.’ Goodwill will give anyone the tools and the resources to succeed and rebuild your life.”