The Story Behind The Stores

Austin

“After high school, I really didn’t know what I wanted to do,” Austin states. Austin is one of our E-Commerce Assistants who is dedicated to listing the best finds on shopgoodwill.com for our customers.

Austin’s self-discovery journey started 7 years ago when he started at Goodwill in the Work Adjustment Program exploring the work he was interested in. “I scanned books in E-Commerce and working in this area sparked my interest to learn more about E-Commerce. A part-time position opened after I had completed the program. I applied and was hired. A year later, I took the full-time position. Goodwill has taught me a lot about my self. Patience is one of the main things. For example, being patient in situation when it is needed in my position. Before Goodwill. I doubted myself a lot and working here I have gained confidence and my self-esteem has boosted.

Austin’s work in E-Commerce has been exceptional and we are proud of being part of his journey to discovering the work he loves. When you support Goodwill through shopping in our stores or giving donations you are giving back to your community through individuals who need to develop critical job skills to be successful in the work they are passionate about.

Beka

Giving people hope for a better future is part of our mission at Goodwill. Every day we serve individuals in our job training programs who need encouragement and a support system to show them they can achieve their hopes and dreams. Beka is an outstanding example of an individual we serve who appreciates the support system she has found at Goodwill.

“When I first came to Goodwill, I was struggling with personal issues. In the first few months of the program, I questioned my work and was nervous to talk to people. Getting back into the workforce was a challenge after being off for a couple of years. Through the support systems at Goodwill, I am proud I have been able to break through the barriers of social anxiety. Goodwill has helped me with my confidence and social skills throughout the program. Going forward, I would like to continue to learn new tasks, increase my hours, and do more volunteering in the community.”

Goodwill’s job training programs are changing lives every day by giving individuals an opportunity to gain valuable job skills necessary to be successful in today’s job market. Your support means the world to individuals, such as Beka, who are given a chance to create a better life for herself and her kids.

Matt

Hardworking. Dedicated. Caring. Flexible. All describe Matt who is in our Pre-Vocational Training Program. It is likely you have seen Matt stocking new bins in our outlet store or at the donation door of our retail store accepting donations with an energetic can-do spirit. Matt’s willingness to do what is needed will make him a great asset for any organization he wants to work for in the future.

“I wanted to learn new things at Goodwill. One of the skills I have learned is clocking in and out. At first, I was nervous about asking questions but now I have the confidence to ask. I like to keep busy during my shift and I try to keep a positive attitude and be kind to everyone. I am now ready to try something different and find work in the community. I am interested in stocking at a retail store.”

You make a difference in Matt’s life by shopping or donating at any of our 21 retail locations. You give individuals like Matt the opportunity to create a better life for themselves and a chance to succeed in today’s job market and be the best version of himself.

Thank you for your support!

Treasa

Treasa’s bright smile and positive energy when you meet her is contagious. Her willingness to be a shining light for her fellow peers is evident through her daily work. She is excited about her next chapter with Goodwill in the Work Readiness Assessment program. Treasa will have the opportunity to dig deeper into possible jobs in the community she could see as a career. Recently, she talked about her experience in the Pre-Vocational Training Program and the significant progress she has made.

“In the past, I worked at several places. I struggled to keep a job. When I came to Goodwill, I would bring my problems to work. I have now learned how to cope when situations happen. I am proud of my job coaches. Through everything, they have supported and stood by me. Sometimes, I cannot bend over because of my back, and they are accommodating. I have learned a lot of things at Goodwill. I have learned the value of hard work. I am focused on getting the job done when I am here. I had trouble with communication at first, but my job coaches have helped me communicate better. My goal is to work as a bagger at Fareway, helping pack up customers’ groceries and bringing their groceries out to their car.”

Goodwill’s Job Training Programs give individuals a life-changing opportunity to develop critical skills needed to be competitive in today’s job market. Shopping or donating to Goodwill contributes to our incredible mission of changing lives through job training and employment.

Jesus

A servant’s heart describes exactly who Jesus is. Walking through the aisles of Sioux City Goodwill, you will find him helping to train new program participants on proper stocking and customer first standards. Jesus is always thinking of others and being a helping hand when needed. His work has made a great addition to the Sioux City team.

“I started working in the e-store and eventually worked myself up to training individuals on scanning books. I moved over to the retail store and was given the task of stocking new merchandise on the sales floor. I love working at Goodwill because I have the opportunity to work with others and help team members when needed. I have become more independent during my experience in the Pre-Vocational Training Program. My goals are to continue working in the retail store to gain more experience to prepare for work in the community.”

The next time you are shopping in the Sioux City Goodwill, give Jesus a warm, “Hello!”