Rachel first came to Cottage Grove Job Connections in September 2025 seeking assistance with her resume and job search. Motivated to build a meaningful career in healthcare, she worked closely with an employment specialist to strengthen her resume, improve her job search skills, and identify employment opportunities that aligned with her passion for helping others. Her hard work paid off when she secured part-time employment as a caregiver in December 2025. After learning that Goodwill offered assistance with occupational training, she enrolled in the certified nursing assistant (CNA) training program. Rachel successfully completed her CNA training through Dare2Care, passed the state certification exam, and officially earned her CNA license in April 2026. Just one month later, her dedication and perseverance led to an even greater opportunity. She accepted a new position with a home care agency, continuing the work she loves. Reflecting on her journey, Rachel shared: “If it wasn’t for Goodwill Job Connections, I never would’ve been able to get my certification as a CNA. My [employment specialist] never gave up on me and worked hard to help me achieve my goals. I highly recommend this organization.”

Monica came into Goodwill’s Florence JOBS program hoping to gain some up-to-date employment experience, obtain resume help, and find support in her journey to self-sufficiency. Monica stated that everyone who she had the pleasure of working with through this program were the most helpful and encouraging people. Monica took part in computer classes that were offered as part of the training program and Goodwill assisted Monica in obtaining a Work Experience opportunity at an animal shelter, where she had excellent attendance throughout her experience and really enjoyed the opportunities that were offered to her there.

The executive director said “Monica was a great fit from the very first day. She quickly learned our scheduling and software programs, displayed exceptional customer service and grace in a chaotic work environment, and made people feel appreciated.” Monica was motivated to apply for a full-time position and she loved everything about the opportunities she was given, the clinic, and the co-workers. Monica says “I am beyond grateful for all the support and encouragement I received during this time in my journey. I truly hope this program continues for other families who could benefit from this type of help.”

Chariti re-enrolled in Goodwill’s HVRP Veteran Connections in April 2025 and obtained a position as Sargeant First Major at a military academy. Her journey is a true testament to resilience and the power of community support, and her commitment to rebuilding shows the very best of what our veterans can achieve when given the tools and respect they deserve.

“My name is Chariti, and I am a retired dual-branch military veteran, having served in both the Army and the Navy. I came home, and I did the work. It was hard, and it took years to rebuild a sense of normalcy. I could not have asked for a better team to walk this road with me. Every step of the way, I was treated with professionalism, kindness, and deep respect. When I needed help, it was there whether through direct assistance or referrals to others who were just as willing to support me. Today, I am working the job of my dreams and searching for a home to purchase where I can live out the rest of the life that was given back to me through your support. To you, this may be just a job but to the veterans you serve, you save lives. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Jillian first connected with Goodwill as a volunteer at a store located within walking distance, allowing her to balance family responsibilities with her goals, eventually applying for a part-time cashier position. With hard work, determination, and a passion for growth, she earned a full-time position and has continued to grow her skills and confidence ever since.

When a supervisor position opened, Jillian applied and was selected. Motivated by her success, she pushed herself further and advanced to the assistant store manager role. The career development opportunities at Goodwill played a key role in building her confidence and helping her recognize her true potential. Encouraged by her mentors and colleagues, she applied for, and was offered, a store manager position, where she now leads a team and is adjusting well to her new responsibilities.

From the beginning, Jillian felt supported by her peers, managers, and human resources. She enjoys working with her team and the regular shoppers, and she’s inspired by Goodwill’s mission and its commitment to embracing people of all abilities.

She encourages anyone seeking meaningful work and career growth to consider Goodwill. In February 2026, Jillian will celebrate her five-year anniversary with Goodwill, having grown from part-time cashier to store manager.

Tina began her journey with Goodwill in 1990, excited to find her very first job and start building a meaningful career. Driven and determined, she actively pursued an interview and was offered a position. Her dedication and strong work ethic quickly stood out, and over the years, she gained valuable experience while making a lasting impact through her hard work.

 After a brief hiatus to care for foster children, Tina returned to Goodwill. Today, she continues to be a valued team member, serving as a customer service associate.

Tina appreciates the variety each day brings, whether she’s helping shoppers and donors, keeping the store tidy, or spotting unique items that might be perfect for Goodwill’s e-commerce platform.

Tina praises Goodwill for the supportive atmosphere created by her coworkers and managers, and she is thankful for the benefits and opportunities offered by the organization. While she acknowledges the job can be demanding, Tina loves what she does, and it shows.

James came to North Bend Job Connections last fall seeking assistance with employment, vehicle repairs, and fuel funding, as he lived far from town. At the time, he was working a temporary job for the county and urgently needed more stable employment. James expressed a strong interest in obtaining his CDL and asked for help with funding. Goodwill was able to assist with the cost of a new fuel pump for his truck, provide fuel vouchers to support his job search, and cover the expenses for his CDL training and licensing.

Over the next four months, James applied to several local trucking companies and in April, he was hired to drive a dump truck. Recently, James provided an update: ” It appears I’ve proven myself—with the help of Goodwill, AnnaLee, and of course the staff at WorkSource Oregon. I’ve gained knowledge and a renewed faith in myself that I thought had been drained by life. I can’t even find the words to express how grateful I am to all of you.”

Matthew, a single father of one daughter, visited North Bend Job Connections in early March 2025 after recently losing his job. He was seeking full-time, permanent employment where he could apply his forklift and customer service experience. Matthew received support with his resume, job leads, applications, and community referrals. Our employment specialists also provided fuel vouchers to help with transportation during his job search.

In mid-March Matthew was hired by a delivery company for a position that was a perfect match for his skills and met his needs in terms of hours and wage, to allow him to provide for him and his daughter. He shared that he loves his new job, especially driving along the beautiful coastline.

Jada began the Supported Work program at Goodwill in 2021 as a single mother. Before becoming a mother, Jada’s work experience was in landscaping, but due to limited childcare options, she was unable to return to that field after her daughter was born. Jada realized she needed a job that would allow her to balance spending time with her child while staying employed. The TANF Supported Work program provided Jada with the flexibility to work fewer hours and set her own schedule. Thanks to this program, along with support from her parents who helped care for her child, Jada was able to start working at Goodwill.

After almost three months in the Supported Work program, a position became available at Goodwill that Jada’s manager encouraged her to apply for, and she was hired as a cashier in January 2022.

Jada’s favorite part of working at Goodwill is interacting with customers, and she loves working alongside her coworkers.

Sarah came to North Bend Job Connections seeking assistance, and with the help of our employment specialist, Sarah enrolled in the SNAP STEP program with three specific goals. Sarah accomplished her first goal and was hired at a restaurant. She quotes: “No job is too good for me as I am totally humbled.”

Once she started working, she went on to her second goal and was able to pass her driving test and have her license reinstated. With the help of Goodwill, the DMV fees were covered through the STEP program. Sarah’s third goal was to attain peer support specialist/certified recovery mentor certification, which she was able to do through the program offered by a local drug and alcohol recovery center. Once Sarah received her certification, she was hired at the recovery center as a peer support specialist. Sarah expressed she wanted to be able to help others struggling with addiction, and individuals coming out of incarceration.

“Here I am, new home, new job, my license, and schooling that will be paid for by the grant I am receiving. Next is a car. Thank you for all your help. I am beyond happy. I am full of joy! Thank you.”

Jasmine started her Goodwill journey at Goodwill Industries of Southern Oregon approximately six years ago. Prior to Goodwill, Jasmine held manager positions in fast food restaurants and at a clothing retailer.

When Jasmine moved up the coast, she applied for a position with Goodwill Industries of Lane and South Coast Counties. She enjoyed working for Goodwill because of its mission and wanted to continue her employment path with the organization. Jasmine was initially hired as a floating store manager. Once the North Bend store manager position opened, she was ready to tackle the challenge and she was hired into that role.

What Jasmine loves about Goodwill is supporting her team and helping them be successful, especially individuals who have a barrier. At Goodwill, a barrier can be seen as positive and there are options to highlight an individual’s skills. Jasmine’s current goal is to increase sales to support the Goodwill mission and to keep doing what she loves with her team.

Anthony has been with Goodwill since June 2010. He was hired to work at the attended donations centers (ADCs), and in 2023 he was promoted to operations supervisor. He appreciates chatting with the regular donors and feels a sense of accomplishment when he quickly and efficiently moves their donations to a Goodwill trailer, knowing that those items will head to the stores and be sold to help support our mission. Anthony’s commitment to Goodwill was noticed, and led to his promotion, which included taking on additional responsibilities at the warehouse.

He enjoys working with the team and learning new skills, as well as contributing to making the organization better. When asked what advice Anthony has for anyone considering working at Goodwill, he replies, “Just go for it. The people are great and it’s a good place to work.” Anthony said that he feels like he does something useful even when doing his day-to-day job.

He is grateful to Goodwill for the growth opportunities and providing him with a place to work where no two days are the same.

Zane’s journey with Goodwill began in 2008 at our North Bend training site, where he immersed himself in developing valuable work skills, building a strong foundation for future opportunities. His determination to grow led him to transfer to our Eugene location, where he could expand on what he’d learned and continue progressing toward his goals.

In 2015, Zane took another bold step by signing up for vocational rehabilitation, a partnership that opened doors for him to explore community job opportunities. He worked tirelessly with his team to identify positions that matched his strengths and interests. Zane’s perseverance paid off when he secured a job as a dishwasher at a local restaurant. This role not only allowed him to apply the skills he had worked so hard to develop but also gave him a chance to contribute meaningfully in a community setting.

Zane’s story is more than just a timeline of events—it’s a testament to his unwavering dedication and the transformative power of support systems like Goodwill and vocational rehabilitation.

April started with Goodwill as a cashier at the Green Acres store in 2010. She had been working in phone sales and found it stressful and unrewarding. Her stepdaughter was working at Goodwill at the time and encouraged her to pursue employment at the organization. Despite having no retail experience, April decided to apply for a job and when hired, soon found herself earning promotions due to her hard work. April also notes that Goodwill paid for a retail management program which further enhanced her skills.

April was interested in continuing to grow her skills as a manager and with Goodwill’s support accepted a position as an assistant store manager at another retail store. She was excited to come back to Goodwill when a store manager position opened up in Junction City. April noted she missed the culture at Goodwill and the opportunities available, which included moving to the store manager position at Santa Clara, and more recently to store manager at Springfield.

Jackie started at Goodwill as a skills trainer and has been promoted over the years to her current position as the employment and training services manager. Her heart is with coaching and finding solutions for program participants.

Jackie’s expertise and knowledge is beneficial in coordinating with community partners to ensure individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are able to meet their fullest potential.

Kristy began her career managing payroll for the Goodwill temp agency more than 23 years ago. Jim Martin and Jim Nelson recognized Kristy’s hard work and dedication to Goodwill and supported and encouraged her to achieve her goals, which further fostered loyalty to Goodwill.

Kristy earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees and became a certified public accountant. She is also a graduate of Goodwill Industries International’s Senior Leadership Program and Executive Development Program.

Today, Kristy is the organization’s chief financial officer and loves feeling connected to the team and supporting Goodwill and its mission of providing employment opportunities to individuals with barriers to employment.

Maudie is a store supervisor at the Cottage Grove location and has been with Goodwill for nearly 31 years. In her time at Goodwill, she has had the opportunity to work at several locations, including the Boutique, and assisting with moving the Springfield store.

Maudie values learning and seeks out opportunities so she can understand and learn different roles. By having a diverse skill set, she can see the bigger picture and assist where needed. Maudie feels at home in her career with Goodwill because she feels the organization cares about and supports her, from the great benefits provided to helping further her career and showing an interest in her as an individual.

Melissa started at Goodwill as a softlines processor nearly 20 years ago, having come to the organization after a struggle with drugs and needing to make a change. Goodwill was the first job she had, and she appreciates that she was given a hand up, along with the tools needed to improve herself and her situation.

Melissa said that being supported by the team makes her want to give back by being a diligent worker. She has had some personal challenges that her colleagues stepped in to help her resolve and she is grateful for their support and friendship. Through her hard work, she has been promoted to store supervisor at the Junction City location, a position that she enjoys.

Tanya has been with Goodwill for almost 20 years. She started as a softlines processor and today works as a vocational training specialist. Tanya held several positions with retail before shifting to the Workforce Development (WFD) team.

Her years in retail have been helpful as she supports program participants. Tanya notes that teaching a participant something they do not think they can do is one of the reasons she loves her job and has stayed with Goodwill as long as she has.

Juan was directed to Goodwill’s Job Connections office by WorkSource Lane after working at the City of Eugene and with Lane County. Through his appointments with an Employment Specialist, he learned Goodwill was hiring landscapers and he applied. He was hired and began working for Goodwill in December 2010.

In 2018, Juan was promoted to Maintenance Supervisor, and he oversees an outsourced team of landscapers and manages maintenance issues for all Oregon locations. Juan enjoys the variety of responsibilities that come with his position and is happy to take on new projects. He enjoys learning new skills while helping keep the maintenance and landscape operations running smoothly. Part of what makes the job enjoyable for Juan are the individuals he works with at Goodwill.

As far as what the future holds, Juan smiles when asked and says that he loves what he is doing now but is always open to new opportunities. He is grateful for Goodwill’s assistance in starting him on his career path and he mentions the Job Connections offices to any friend who is looking for help finding a new job.