Where Small Change Makes a Big Difference

On October 4, 2004, Emmanuel stepped off a Greyhound bus in Charleston, West Virginia carrying little more than a small bag and the hope that life could still get better. Born in Kings County, New York, Emmanuel’s life had never been easy. After his parents separated in 1981, his mother moved Emmanuel and his three siblings to South Carolina to be closer to family and start over. From a young age, Emmanuel faced challenges that made everyday life harder than most. Born with a significant cognitive disability, he struggled with learning, communication, social interaction, and independence. Like many parents raising a child with disabilities, Emmanuel’s family worried about what adulthood would look like for him. They worried about stability. About safety. About whether he would ever find a place where he could truly succeed on his own. As the years passed, those fears became very real. Emmanuel faced difficult seasons in life, including a time when he was institutionalized. But even through those hardships, he never stopped trying to move forward. When Emmanuel arrived in Charleston in 2004, he had nowhere to stay and very little money. He spent time in a local shelter and worked odd jobs when he could, searching for some kind of stability. Then in 2015, he was referred to Goodwill by the Department of Health and Human Resources. That referral became a turning point. At Goodwill, Emmanuel completed Open Enrollment and an Intake so services could be personalized to his goals and needs. He then completed Goodwill’s two-week Soft Skills class and entered the 60-day Paid Training Program. For Emmanuel, the program offered more than job training. It gave him routine. Responsibility. Confidence. A place where people believed in him. Step by step, Emmanuel began building something steady for himself. Through Goodwill’s support, he found meaningful employment and eventually stable housing, something that had once felt out of reach. Today, Emmanuel continues to work with Goodwill, inspiring people across West Virginia with his positivity and perseverance. Years ago, Emmanuel arrived in Charleston searching for stability. Today, he has built a life filled with purpose, independence, and belonging.

When the world put on masks in 2020, Rebecca lost the way she understood it. Deaf since childhood, she had learned to navigate life confidently through lip reading, communicating with teachers, friends, family, and employers. It was how she built her independence and stayed connected to the world around her. As the pandemic spread, Rebecca found herself needing additional income and began searching for employment. Almost overnight, job interviews became nearly impossible. Each mask became a barrier to communication. Conversations blurred. Opportunities felt out of reach. That’s when Goodwill stepped in. Working alongside local Community Rehabilitation Programs, Goodwill’s Staffing Services team supported Rebecca in her search for employment and helped connect her to an opportunity with the West Virginia Office of Maternal, Child & Family Health Services. Through collaboration and coordination, support was provided to ensure communication needs were understood and addressed. Rebecca secured meaningful employment despite the barriers in her path. For 75 years, Goodwill has helped West Virginians overcome obstacles to employment by connecting ability with opportunity. Rebecca’s story is one of many that reflect our commitment to building stronger communities through access, partnership, and support.

There was a time when Katie didn’t believe she had a future. Struggling with addiction and homelessness, she faced the deep pain of losing custody of her children and the overwhelming isolation that often follows. Each day was a struggle, and hope felt distant. In 2021, Katie made a courageous decision to seek help and take her life back. That choice led her to SW Resources, where she was met by compassionate case managers who saw her potential even when she could not. With their support and encouragement, Katie began to rebuild her life. Through consistent effort and determination, she completed her recovery program and began to find stability. She rediscovered her sense of purpose and was inspired to give back. Starting as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist, Katie eventually became a full-time case manager, helping others navigate the same road she once walked. In 2023, SW Resources itself faced an uncertain future. Later that year, Goodwill stepped in to help ensure that critical services in the Parkersburg community would continue. What began as a moment of need became a shared mission, one that continues to support individuals like Katie as they work to rebuild their lives. Today, Katie is reunited with her children and lives in a safe, stable home. She has built a meaningful career and is surrounded by a supportive community. More importantly, she has become a source of hope and healing for others. Katie’s story is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible and that no one is beyond help. Her journey from despair to empowerment reflects the mission of Goodwill to help individuals overcome barriers and achieve their full potential. For her strength, growth, and service to others, Katie was named Goodwill’s 2024 Achiever of the Year. For 75 years, Goodwill has helped individuals overcome obstacles to employment by connecting ability with opportunity. Katie's story is one of many that reflect our commitment to building stronger communities through access, partnership, and support.

When Hearing Loss Threatened Her Livelihood, Opportunity Stepped In! As a young adult in Charleston, Norma had every reason to believe in a bright future. With her husband by her side, they were building a life together and dreaming of a family. Yet the road to parenthood brought profound heartbreak. More than once, hope turned into grief before they were finally blessed with their son and daughter. Norma had always found a way to adapt. But when she lost complete hearing in her right ear, she could no longer work as a waitress. In an instant, she lost not only her hearing, but her livelihood. The dual income that kept a roof over her family’s head was suddenly at risk. One income. Four mouths to feed. That same year, Norma came to the Goodwill Prosperity Center and met with our Mission Services team. Through Open Enrollment, our team walked alongside her as she explored her next steps and applied for employment in one of our stores. Soon after, a local Store Manager saw her potential and offered her an opportunity. Though communication could be challenging, Goodwill made space for her to succeed, and Norma stepped forward to join the team. Nearly ten years later, Norma is still serving the community with confidence and pride in everything that she does. What began as uncertainty became stability, purpose, and belonging. For 75 years, Goodwill Industries of the Summit has helped individuals like Norma overcome barriers to employment and build lasting opportunity.

When Lydell walked out of prison after serving a 10-year sentence, the world he once knew was gone. Returning home as a young man, he felt lost and disconnected. “When you come out after that long,” Lydell shared, “you feel lost.” With only the clothes on his back and one extra outfit, he began searching for direction. Through a conversation with his counselor, Lydell learned that Goodwill might be a great option — a step that would change his life. Through Goodwill’s Soft Skills classes and Paid Training program, Lydell began rebuilding the foundation he needed to move forward. Step by step, he gained confidence and the tools he needed to reintegrate into society. Starting as a frontline employee, Lydell quickly stood out for his work ethic, humility, and natural leadership. In time, He moved from team leader to store manager at our Beckley location, helping lead one of the most successful stores in West Virginia. Today, Lydell not only serves as a District Manager for Goodwill, but he is also known as a humble leader, a dedicated father, and a living example of what can happen when someone is given the opportunity to rebuild. For 75 years, Goodwill Industries of the Summit has helped West Virginians like Lydell overcome barriers to employment and build brighter futures.

Courtney, a Beckley native, had worked in the service industry for 10 years as a waitress until moving up into management. In search of a career change and having recently moved to Charleston, West Virginia, Courtney knew she would need to find a new job, this time hopefully in a new field. While living in Charleston, Courtney was referred to Goodwill where she was introduced to our Staffing Services Team. It was then that she joined our temporary employment program doing contact tracing with the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. When she ended that position, the Staffing Department was able to secure her into another position with the DHHR doing data entry. Courtney has now been with the DHHR for over a year and she is very happy with her new career. When asked what piece of advice she would like to share with anyone struggling to find employment, Courtney said to always keep pushing forward. Thank you Courtney for allowing Goodwill the opportunity to assist you. Congratulations and job well done!

Five years ago, Goodwill launched Mission Services in Parkersburg with one goal in mind: helping people build brighter futures through the power of work and education. At the time, the program was just beginning. So was Jonathan Davis’ journey. Jonathan became the very first participant in Goodwill’s Parkersburg program, taking a chance on a new opportunity and believing in what could come next. Five years later, that journey has come full circle. Now, Jonathan is graduating with honors from Marshall University. 🎓 His story is a reminder that when people are met with support, encouragement, and opportunity, incredible things can happen. We are proud to celebrate Jonathan’s achievement and thankful for team members like David Mitchell, who continue walking alongside participants every step of the way. Congratulations, Jonathan. Your Goodwill family is cheering you on as you begin this next chapter.

When Patty began experiencing hearing loss, it became harder for her to communicate with friends, family, and coworkers. Determined to continue working and find a role that met her needs, Patty turned to Goodwill’s Staffing Services for support. Our team worked with employers who were not only open to hiring individuals with disabilities, but also willing to make meaningful workplace accommodations. With Goodwill’s assistance, Patty secured employment in Environmental Health Services with the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. She was provided with tools and accommodations that allowed her to succeed and contribute her skills in a supportive environment. Patty’s experience reflects what is possible when opportunity is paired with understanding and access. Stories like hers continue to guide how Goodwill helps people overcome barriers to employment.

In the early 2000s, just before the war in Iraq, Hannah was born. Two months later Hannah was adopted. Not knowing her exact birthday or where she was born, Hannah found comfort and support from her adopted family. Throughout Hannah’s educational years, she has had various struggles which include a learning disability and a history of being bullied at school. After years of dealing with these troubles, Hannah was given the opportunity to continue her education at home, ultimately resulting in her completion of secondary schooling. Even though Hannah had completed school and was ready to move forward with her life she still found it difficult to get passed certain barriers that prevented her from completing her goal of entering the workforce. In 2022, Hannah’s sister, having knowledge of Goodwill’s mission to assist individuals with barriers to employment, called the Goodwill Prosperity Center in Parkersburg to see if they could help her sister. Not too long after that initial phone call, Hannah came to the Goodwill Prosperity Center where she met Goodwill’s Mission Services team. At Goodwill, Hannah attended multiple workshops and classes focused on the skills she would need to complete her first goal. Hannah hopes one day to be a therapist due to her love for helping others but until then Hannah looks forward to completing her first goal, obtaining employment. Even though Hannah has yet to enter the workforce, she continues to take part in classes, and mock interviews to prepare herself for what lies ahead. Congratulations Hannah on your victories thus far, we look forward to seeing your future successes!

A few years ago, steady work began to feel just out of reach for Michael. He had never been afraid of hard work. Growing up on his family’s farm in Ohio, long days and early mornings were just part of life. So when he left home in 1998 to build something of his own, he carried that work ethic with him leading to his first of many jobs. Over the years, he worked wherever opportunity called, pallet building, food and beverage, roofing, and construction. Wherever there was opportunity, he showed up. A few years later, while doing construction, Michael was faced with another barrier he didn’t see coming. His construction job was not only ending but he didn’t have any opportunities lined up to keep a roof overhead and food on the table. Determined not to stand still, Michael began visiting his local library to search for jobs online. Applications were sent. Calls were made. But stability still felt just out of reach. Then he came across a Goodwill pamphlet. What began as a simple search for work became a turning point in his journey. Through Goodwill’s Soft Skills classes, Job Development Training, and Paid Training Program, Michael began rebuilding more than a résumé. He refreshed his skills and continued to strengthen his confidence. Michael showed not only his work ethic, but a commitment to learning new skills that opened doors to new opportunities. Later that year, Michael secured employment again, but in this case he didn’t just secure another job. He secured something that once felt just out of reach. Michael’s story is one of many. For 75 years, Goodwill Industries of the Summit has helped individuals overcome barriers to employment by connecting determination with opportunity. Michael’s story is one of many that reflect our commitment to walking alongside people as they build brighter futures.

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For Carlos, the SUD-TEP program became a lifeline during one of the most difficult periods of his recovery journey. While living in sober housing and working to maintain sobriety, Carlos faced the everyday challenges that come with rebuilding a life in recovery. Access to treatment, support meetings, and basic necessities all played an important role in staying on track. Through the program, Carlos received help connecting to treatment and attending NA meetings, while also gaining access to resources that supported his day-to-day stability. More importantly, he found a team that welcomed him without judgment and stood beside him through the struggles of recovery. Carlos says the people in the program were always willing to help and made participants feel supported instead of alone. Today, he sees the program as more than a service — he sees it as a source of encouragement, guidance, and hope for individuals working to overcome addiction and create a better future.

Before entering the SUD-TEP program, Connie was fighting battles that affected both her health and her future. She knew she needed support but wasn’t sure how life could change. Through the program, Connie found stability, encouragement, and a team that believed in her. Over time, she became infection-free, stayed committed to treatment, and began rebuilding her confidence. What once felt impossible slowly became achievable. The support she received from staff members like Kayla and Sara made a lasting impact. Connie says they were “the best ever,” helping guide her toward a new beginning and reminding her she was capable of more. Today, Connie is proud to say she was hired at Goodwill — a milestone that represents far more than employment. It represents healing, hope, and a fresh start. Most importantly, she gained back valuable time with her family and the confidence to keep moving forward.

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Nate came into the program looking for an opportunity to build a better future. Like many participants, he needed support, direction, and resources to help him take the next step. Through the SUD-TEP program, Nate received assistance obtaining certifications, work clothing, and his learner’s permit — practical tools that helped remove barriers standing between him and employment. But beyond the resources, Nate found something equally important: people who listened. He describes the staff as easy to talk to and supportive throughout the process, creating an environment where participants felt encouraged instead of judged. The experience left such a strong impression that Nate now recommends the program to anyone wanting to start a positive change in their life. For Nate, the program became more than employment assistance. It became a foundation for growth, confidence, and new opportunities.

In 1995, a young girl named Michele took a step she didn’t yet understand. At 12 years old, the world still feels wide and forgiving. Choices don’t feel permanent, and consequences don’t feel close. But that was the year Michele tried drugs for the first time, long before she could understand the weight it would carry. It didn’t feel like a turning point at the time. It rarely does. But by the time she was 17, what once felt like experimentation had taken hold in a way that would follow her for years. As the years went on, she tried to leave it behind and build something more stable. When she became a mother, she held onto the hope that life could look different, but over time, it began to return. It showed up in the moments when things felt like too much, and slowly, it took hold again. The life she was trying to build began to slip away. Her children were taken, routines were replaced with court dates, and stability became something out of reach. “I was miserable,” she said. “I hated myself.” The moment that changed everything didn’t look like hope. It looked like jail. After being charged for using her mother’s credit card, Michele was arrested. At the time, it felt like just another mistake, but looking back now, she sees it differently. “That’s what saved my life.” From there, she entered treatment, and something in her began shifting. Somewhere in the middle of rebuilding, Michele found her way to SW Resources (a Goodwill subsidiary in Parkersburg). She was pregnant with twins and hadn’t held a steady job in years, while working through Family Treatment Court, attending classes, recovery meetings, and doing everything she could to fight for a different future. SW Resources made it possible for her to do all of it. It gave her the ability to work, to show up, and to keep moving forward without having to choose one piece of her life over another. “SW Resources gave me independence. It gave me confidence. I felt needed. I felt important.” Today, Michele is over five years clean and sober. She has been with the organization for more than four years and now serves as a supervisor. She shares her story with others who are just beginning, offering what she once needed: proof that change is possible. This is what your support makes possible. Not just recovery. Not just employment. But a second chance that turns into something more.