When the father of her children was involved in a drunk-driving incident that resulted in a prison sentence, Lisa became a single mother with no source of income. Relying on government assistance, she gathered every resource available and began volunteering at the Central City Goodwill as part of a Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (KTAP) requirement.
After a few months of volunteering, Lisa asked if there were any open positions and was hired on as a part-time employee.
“I was raising three kids by myself, and I was going through a lot,” Lisa explained. “I was a hermit. I knew I had to overcome my social anxiety, and over time, talking to customers and working with my career coach helped me grow in that area.”
Three promotions later, Lisa now works as an assistant manager at our Central City location, is no longer receiving government assistance through KTAP and purchased her own home.
“I have held almost every position in the store, which has been a wonderful experience,” she said. “I can step in anywhere to help. It feels good to know my manager trusts me with the employees and store. My manager, regional manager and career coach all have faith in me.”
What’s next for Lisa? She hopes to enroll in Goodwill’s Retail Training Advancement Program (GREAT) and one day become a store manager.
“I did not expect to be here five years later. At the time, I was going through a lot. I was trying to care for my kids. I never held a management position before, or even a job for that long,” said Lisa. “It’s hard to pick one thing I like best about Goodwill. I love my coworkers. I love learning new things every day. I feel comfortable here, even with my social anxiety. I love Goodwill’s mission, and I love what I do.”