‘Tis the season to spread “Goodwill to All!” For 12 days, we’re highlighting program participants and Goodwill staff whose faces and voices tell a story of opportunity, hope, love and perseverance.

Day 4: Benjamin, a Navy veteran, was a student in the Heavy Equipment Powerline class at Tri-County Technical College when he was referred to Goodwill’s Industry Specific Training program for training assistance. After serving our country, Benjamin found himself out of work and struggling to find a new path to employment. More than anything, he wanted to provide for his family and newborn son. He had a desire to obtain his Commercial Driver’s License and work for a local power company, but he needed help finding a program and paying for the tuition. After connecting with Goodwill, Benjamin worked with his Career Navigator to enroll in CDL training through Goodwill’s partnership with Tri-County Tech that relieved him of the tuition burden and helped him focus solely on his studies. Following his certification completion, Benjamin received a job offer with Sumter Utilities in Simpsonville, SC and thanks Goodwill for “providing me with the opportunity to go through the class so that I can provide for my family.”

Goodwill programs like IST provide access to critical resources for job seekers who are looking to advance their careers and – in many ways – restore themselves through the power of work. We are a locally owned and operated non-profit that – through your support – can continue to extend “Goodwill to all.” You can support our Goodwill by giving here, donating gently used goods at a donation center, shopping in any one of our 40 retail stores or Auten’s Loft boutique, or simply by sharing this post with others.