Goodwill Industries of Kentucky on LinkedIn: We want to congratulate Stephanie, a production clerk at our Richmond… (2024)

Today, we're recognizing Juneteenth at Goodwill! It commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas were finally informed of their freedom, marking a pivotal moment in our nation's history. It's a day to honor freedom and reflect on our ongoing journey towards equality. Earlier this week, 4-H students and chaperones visited our Lexington Opportunity Center to create Juneteenth decorations and prepare snack bags for our food-insecure clients.

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Chief Financial Officer Mark Hohmann is one of 52 professionals to be named to the Leadership Kentucky Class of 2024, which was announced yesterday by Leadership Kentucky, Inc. Participants in the program gather to gain insight on the Commonwealth of Kentucky, its challenges and opportunities. Class members meet with many of Kentucky’s current leaders and explore the state’s unique communities and resources.Congratulations, Mark!

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Due to an abusive relationship, Sarah relocated from Florida to Kentucky when she was 35 weeks pregnant but had trouble obtaining meaningful employment. “No one wanted to hire me, either because of my record or my belly,” she said. “I was a single mom with two babies, going to college full-time. My parents were my support system, but I wanted to stop relying on them.” Sarah then met Jessica, a Goodwill career coach who referred her to the Opportunity Center in Somerset. Sarah worked on her resume, began the process of having her record expunged, obtained Goodwill vouchers to purchase clothing and secured employment at the conjoined store as a production clerk. Sarah was eventually named Safety Captain, a role she held for two years. Utilizing Goodwill’s tuition reimbursem*nt program, Sarah obtained her bachelor’s degree from Western Kentucky University in business administration and was promoted to training facilitator for Goodwill. She is currently pursuing her PhD in education. “When I was accepted for this job, I thought it was too good to be true. My criminal record wasn’t even expunged yet,” Sarah said, “This role is important to me, because I love teaching and I want to make a difference. I love offering hope to others.”For Sarah, her job as training facilitator is more than a paycheck, it’s her purpose. “Goodwill gave me the confidence to exit a dangerous relationship. I didn’t have any skills or confidence. I had never been alone,” Sarah said. “I never thought I was going to get a second chance, because I had damaged my life so much. I didn’t think I was deserving. I thought I was cursed with bad luck forever, even after getting clean and sober and college degrees. I felt like I was a puppy at that pound, discarded. But Goodwill adopted me. They are my family now. Goodwill changed my life forever.”

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We are pleased to host the Kentucky Association of Manufactures at our West Louisville Opportunity Center on June 26 for a fair chance hiring event. Leaders from our reentry team will teach best practices for employers to consider when connecting with job seekers, including those who have background challenges.

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We want to congratulate Patsy, a beloved employee at our Lebanon store, for retiring from Goodwill after 10 years of dedicated service. Enjoy your retirement, Patsy! 💙Patsy is pictured with Susan, store manager.

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In partnership with Norton Healthcare, we are hosting a hiring event, community forum and wellness fair at our West Louisville Opportunity Center today. We have served more than 300 individuals so far!

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“I want others to know that it is never too late to change your life,” Sarah said. “I didn’t come to Goodwill thinking I was a shoo-in. My background was so ugly.Taylor,my store manager, not only hired me, but she promoted me. She made me believe I was an important part of the team, and feeling important has allowed me to grow. I feel like I finally have a purpose.”Sarah was living in a sober living home when she learned about Goodwill. She was hired as a production clerk at our Ring Road store in Elizabethtown and has since earned multiple promotions. She is currently our GREAT leadership program, designed for retail employees to advance their careers.Read her full story here: https://lnkd.in/eaahWnf4

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Our Morehead Opportunity Center has been recognized by the Gateway Community Action Council for its continuous and successful collaboration with community partners. Opportunity Center Manager Jill Butler (right) was presented the award by Audrey Johnson, Kynector in Morehead.

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Tevin was homeless when he learned about Goodwill. In exchange for $50, Tevin accepted one day of work as part of the Another Way program. He was then introduced to other life-changing resources offered at Goodwill’s Opportunity Center and 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 store as a production clerk before he was promoted to team leader and then assistant manager at our Broadway location. He is currently working towards his GED through Goodwill’s employee Work & Learn program. He is also utilizing Goodwill’s Housing program.“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.”

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