As Goodwill prepares to ring in a new year, we're reflecting on the year that was. Here are ten of our favorite moments from 2024.

Unable to complete high school, Genesie battled severe anxiety and depression. Unsure what to do or where to turn, a fateful visit to Goodwill changed the trajectory of her life. Now, Genesie's journey is marked by new career goals and a budding confidence to achieve them.

This season, we are sharing inspiring stories of resilience and hope from those impacted by Goodwill’s mission. Meet Carmela Vance, who visited our Mission Mobile event at Feed & Seed in March 2023. Homeless and unemployed after years of caring for her disabled husband and homeschooling her five children, she came to Goodwill for help. What happened next helped change Carmela’s life forever.

Meet Pamela Cloniger, a shining example of resilience and hope! After battling a chronic illness, homelessness, and financial hardships, Pamela found a lifeline through Goodwill’s SCSEP initiative. Today she’s thriving at our Pleasantburg location, grateful for a fresh start.

Meet Mr. Griffin Jr., a shining example of determination and success! Following a prison sentence of 12 years, he is thriving through the help of Goodwill. Through pre-release work readiness with Goodwill’s Pathway Home program, he has worked diligently to build a brighter future for himself and his family.

Meet Aunisti, whose journey shows the power of hope and determination against all odds. After facing challenges like leaving school in 9th grade, justice system involvement, and struggling with self-esteem, Aunisti found a brighter future and a second chance through Goodwill.

Meet Kevin, who overcame the challenges of a criminal background with help from the Seneca Career and Training Center. Through personalized support and referrals to second chance employers, Kevin landed a job with growth potential and a brighter future.

A single parent, unsure of what to do in the years after high school, Akera struggled with long-term unemployment and legal challenges. Ironically, it turns out, those legal challenges led Akera to a life-changing conversation that marked the trailhead of a new path forward.

Meet Christophe, a high school student with big dreams of becoming an engineer. When his mom saw his passion for technology, she connected him with Goodwill’s drone program, Elevate, and now he’s soaring toward his future career one flight at a time!

Meet Taneisha! After years in food service, she dreamed of a more stable career to support her family. With hard work, determination, and support from Goodwill in Columbia, SC, Taneisha earned her CDL in June 2024 – while working full time!

When Sharon moved to Columbia, she sought a better life for herself. Knowing she needed to support herself, Sharon made finding a job her top priority. She reached out to Goodwill and started on a path to independence.

While incarcerated at Leath Correctional Institution, Leigh Chandler Meyle discovered Goodwill’s Pathway Home program. Determined to create a better future for herself, she embraced the program and began taking proactive steps to prepare for life after her release. Through her dedication and hard work, she laid the foundation for a successful reentry, proving that change is possible with the right resources and determination.

Greg was struggling to find IT jobs without the right certifications. Through his wife, he discovered Goodwill’s IT Academy – and it changed everything. Now he is on a new path toward a successful tech career!

Discover your future with Goodwill’s new Career Pathways model, designed to connect thousands of South Carolinians with meaningful jobs and skills training every year. With over 20 programs and classes, you can turn what you like into a career you will love. To discover your path to a new life, visit https://www.goodwillsc.org/career-services/.

In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (#NDEAM), Veanetta shared how she went from working an assembly line job that was destroying her body and quality of life to now regaining her health and working a fulfilling job through Goodwill.