GOODWILL SAN ANTONIO Mission
Changing Lives Through the Power of Work
Transforming Lives Through Career Training & Employment Placement
Goodwill San Antonio is a trusted 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and families build brighter futures. Since 1945, we have provided job training, career services, and employment placement opportunities in San Antonio and communities within our 24-county territory. Through our mission-driven programs, we empower people to gain skills, find meaningful work, and achieve long-term success.
Our Services
We offer contracted services to organizations across the region, all while creating job opportunities for the community.
Our training programs prepare job seekers for today’s workforce, ensuring that every career starts with confidence.
Whether it’s a first job or a fresh start, we’re here to help individuals find meaningful work.
Connecting those reentering the workforce and society to the training, resources, and jobs they need to rebuild their lives.
Helping young adults ages 16–24 who are not in school or working full-time reconnect with education, job training, and employment.
Behind every number is a neighbor whose life has changed for the better.
Your support makes a measurable, meaningful impact where it matters most: our community.
Last year, 975 individuals earned above 200% over the Federal Poverty Level through our Goodwill Academy & Career Services.
When you donate at Goodwill, you help create good jobs, career training, and employment placement services.
Through federal and non-federal contracts, we employ over 700+ team members through our Business Services Unit.
Meet the people behind our mission. Their stories illustrate the transformational impact made possible through courage, resilience, and the support of Goodwill San Antonio.
In the Records Management warehouse at Goodwill San Antonio, among rows of neatly stacked boxes and organized files, one woman has been a familiar presence for over three decades.
Bernie, as she’s known by her colleagues, is more than just a team lead. With 32 years of service under her belt, she is one of Goodwill San Antonio’s longest-serving team members and has played a vital role in the Business Services Unit.
“Time just flew by so fast,” said Bernie. “I come to work every day and next thing you know, they’re telling me it’s been 32 years.”
Bernie’s journey with Goodwill began in 1993, when she was hired as an Assistant Store Manager. Today she is the Team Lead of Mail and Warehouse Operations, where she co-leads a team responsible for storing, retrieving, and managing sensitive client documents for the U.S. Military.
“We handle and create electronic medical documents for military veterans,” said Bernie. “And since being here I helped create a system that made it easier to organize and find files. What used to take over an hour, now only takes about 5–10 minutes."
In 2002, Bernie’s dedication went beyond the workplace, when a fellow team member became seriously ill and needed a kidney transplant. When she found out she was a perfect match, she didn’t hesitate to offer hers.
“My co-worker was very sick, and I turned out to be a perfect match,” said Bernie. “So, I went to the hospital and the transplant was a success.”
When asked about the secret to a decades-long career, Bernie said it was all about having a purpose.
“I always take pride in what I do,” said Bernie. “These are documents that belong to our military veterans. They gave a part of their lives for our country- they deserve respect and quality work."
Now, as Goodwill San Antonio celebrates its 80th anniversary, Bernie is a perfect example of the organization's mission of changing lives through the power of work. And after 32 years of service, she isn’t planning on slowing down anytime soon.
“I’ve been here through a lot of changes,” said Bernie. “There's new people, new buildings, and contracts, but every day I come to work and continue to work and stay busy.”
Meet Isabella. Born in Venezuela, Isabella and her family made the difficult decision to emigrate to Peru after facing challenges in her home country. However, the family faced new challenges in Peru due to lack of resources. “I thought that working hard would be enough to achieve my dream, but it seemed impossible for me to have a professional career,” Isabella said.
In June 2023, Isabella and her family received a special visa to come to the United States, and she describes the feeling as a “miracle.” Isabella began taking English classes where she was introduced to various organizations offering free educational programs. She knew she always wanted to help people and realized that being in the medical field would be an ideal profession for her.
She began researching the free programs offered and after evaluating numerous schools, she decided that the Goodwill Good Careers Academy would be the best fit for her. With its comprehensive syllabus, free tuition and supportive environment, Isabella applied to the Academy.
“From the moment I sent in my application, The Good Careers Academy’s team support was amazing. I will never forget my first day of class, where I saw my name on the table," Isabella said.
At that moment, Isabella knew she was determined to succeed. It wasn't easy, but every challenge proved to be worth it.
Transportation to school became a daily struggle since she lived far from school and had no car of her own. Relying on shared transportation with her father, Isabella often showed up two hours early to class, before the Academy was open. Knowing this, GCA staff supported her by coming in early to ensure she had safe access to the building. However, despite these challenges, Isabella maintained perfect attendance and an exceptional GPA throughout her program.
Through the program, Isabella received her medical assistant certification as well as her phlebotomy and EKG certificate. She secured a full-time position at Health Texas and is currently enrolled at Northwest Vista College in their nursing program. Isabella purchased a vehicle and is excited about her future and the opportunity to serve her community.
Isabella is deeply grateful to her instructor, Ms. Rodriguez, and the entire Good Careers Academy staff for their continuous support and encouragement throughout her journey.
“I will be changing the lives of other people. This accomplishment is not just a career opportunity, but rather it marks a new beginning for my family and me. I'm very excited about the future, and about the opportunity to be in a position that allows me to serve the community that has given so much to me.”
Story by Vanessa Mallari, vmallari@goodwillsa.org
Meet Arlene!
Twenty-three years ago, Arlene began her journey with Goodwill San Antonio as a Workforce Development Associate, helping students find work and resources to expand their growth. Over time, she fell in love with work and the people around her, and Goodwill quickly became her second home.
Just as things were falling into place, Arlene was diagnosed with uterine cancer, putting her career on pause. But she wasn’t alone. Her coworkers stepped in, donating their own time off so she could focus on recovering.
“I’m grateful to have each other to lean on to support one another,” Arlene said. “Our goal as a team is to fulfill our mission here at Goodwill.”
With the support of her family and work family, Arlene returned stronger than ever and in a new role as Admissions Specialist. “Having the passion to help people that need it is what keeps me motivated every day,” Arlene said.
Please join us in celebrating Arlene’s resilience and amazing 23-year journey with Goodwill San Antonio!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Looking for work or training opportunities? Goodwill’s Career Services are free and open to everyone. Click here to learn more. And when you donate or shop at Goodwill, you’re helping change lives through the power of work.
By: Bela Gonzalez, Digital Communication Specialist
Meet Glenn👋
Glenn is a Goodwill San Antonio donation attendant with big dreams and an inspiring journey. After serving 16 years in prison, he was determined to turn his life around. He began searching for a second-chance employer and that’s when he found Goodwill.
As a child, Glen had dreamed of following in his dad's footsteps of becoming a truck driver. When he shared that dream with his supervisor, Brenda Woods, she helped put him on the path by connecting him with Goodwill’s Re-entry and CDL programs.
Today, Glen has successfully earned his CDL and aspires to help others with similar backgrounds.
“I’m grateful to Goodwill for the opportunity to even work” Glen said. “They went above and beyond for me, and it’s changed my life”
We’re so proud of you, Glenn 🌟
#SmilesOfGoodwill #80YearsOfChangingLives
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Looking for work or training opportunities? Goodwill’s Career Services are free and open to everyone. Click here to learn more. And when you donate or shop at Goodwill, you’re helping change lives through the power of work.
By: Bela Gonzalez, Digital Communication Specialist
From an early age, William was immersed in toxic environments. With parents who were in active addiction, William grew up believing that it was okay to live with addiction as long as “the bills were being paid.” This mentality would later cost him. Life quickly took a turn for the worse; with the loss of three important people, he began to lose sight of the light at the end of the tunnel.
As life seemed to be getting harder, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison. While in prison he would learn the financial burden he was putting on his mother, which was what prompted him to actively do better for himself and his loved ones. With a new perspective on life, he shortly came to realize he wanted to change the image his daughter had of him; “I don’t want to mess up and lose the chance of not being in her life again” he said.
Shortly after being released, he was introduced to the Goodwill re-entry program. During the program, William’s Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) instructor encouraged him to apply at Goodwill, his first job out of prison. William not only got a job at Goodwill working as a groundskeeper at Fort Sam Houston, he earned a 93.8 on his final, graduating at the top of his class.
For William, Goodwill is more than a job, it is a second chance towards a better future.
“Goodwill never saw me like I was anything other than a normal person” he said, “it’s something people like us don’t get when we’re released.”
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Looking for work or training opportunities? Goodwill’s Career Services are free and open to everyone. Click here to learn more. And when you donate or shop at Goodwill, you’re helping change lives through the power of work.
By: Bela Gonzalez, Digital Communication Specialist
Yolanda's life took unexpected turns after her marriage ended, leading her into addiction and homelessness. With courage, she sought help, achieved sobriety, and found employment at Goodwill San Antonio, which became her support system.
Despite facing health challenges like multiple sclerosis and a stroke, Goodwill Team Members stood by her, offering care and support. Through Goodwill's guidance and her own perseverance, Yolanda rebuilt her life, finding hope, purpose, and a supportive community!
Her story exemplifies the power of redemption and the transformative impact of organizations like Goodwill in people's lives.
In the Records Management warehouse at Goodwill San Antonio, among rows of neatly stacked boxes and organized files, one woman has been a familiar presence for over three decades.
Bernie, as she’s known by her colleagues, is more than just a team lead. With 32 years of service under her belt, she is one of Goodwill San Antonio’s longest-serving team members and has played a vital role in the Business Services Unit.
“Time just flew by so fast,” said Bernie. “I come to work every day and next thing you know, they’re telling me it’s been 32 years.”
Bernie’s journey with Goodwill began in 1993, when she was hired as an Assistant Store Manager. Today she is the Team Lead of Mail and Warehouse Operations, where she co-leads a team responsible for storing, retrieving, and managing sensitive client documents for the U.S. Military.
“We handle and create electronic medical documents for military veterans,” said Bernie. “And since being here I helped create a system that made it easier to organize and find files. What used to take over an hour, now only takes about 5–10 minutes."
In 2002, Bernie’s dedication went beyond the workplace, when a fellow team member became seriously ill and needed a kidney transplant. When she found out she was a perfect match, she didn’t hesitate to offer hers.
“My co-worker was very sick, and I turned out to be a perfect match,” said Bernie. “So, I went to the hospital and the transplant was a success.”
When asked about the secret to a decades-long career, Bernie said it was all about having a purpose.
“I always take pride in what I do,” said Bernie. “These are documents that belong to our military veterans. They gave a part of their lives for our country- they deserve respect and quality work."
Now, as Goodwill San Antonio celebrates its 80th anniversary, Bernie is a perfect example of the organization's mission of changing lives through the power of work. And after 32 years of service, she isn’t planning on slowing down anytime soon.
“I’ve been here through a lot of changes,” said Bernie. “There's new people, new buildings, and contracts, but every day I come to work and continue to work and stay busy.”
Meet Isabella. Born in Venezuela, Isabella and her family made the difficult decision to emigrate to Peru after facing challenges in her home country. However, the family faced new challenges in Peru due to lack of resources. “I thought that working hard would be enough to achieve my dream, but it seemed impossible for me to have a professional career,” Isabella said.
In June 2023, Isabella and her family received a special visa to come to the United States, and she describes the feeling as a “miracle.” Isabella began taking English classes where she was introduced to various organizations offering free educational programs. She knew she always wanted to help people and realized that being in the medical field would be an ideal profession for her.
She began researching the free programs offered and after evaluating numerous schools, she decided that the Goodwill Good Careers Academy would be the best fit for her. With its comprehensive syllabus, free tuition and supportive environment, Isabella applied to the Academy.
“From the moment I sent in my application, The Good Careers Academy’s team support was amazing. I will never forget my first day of class, where I saw my name on the table," Isabella said.
At that moment, Isabella knew she was determined to succeed. It wasn't easy, but every challenge proved to be worth it.
Transportation to school became a daily struggle since she lived far from school and had no car of her own. Relying on shared transportation with her father, Isabella often showed up two hours early to class, before the Academy was open. Knowing this, GCA staff supported her by coming in early to ensure she had safe access to the building. However, despite these challenges, Isabella maintained perfect attendance and an exceptional GPA throughout her program.
Through the program, Isabella received her medical assistant certification as well as her phlebotomy and EKG certificate. She secured a full-time position at Health Texas and is currently enrolled at Northwest Vista College in their nursing program. Isabella purchased a vehicle and is excited about her future and the opportunity to serve her community.
Isabella is deeply grateful to her instructor, Ms. Rodriguez, and the entire Good Careers Academy staff for their continuous support and encouragement throughout her journey.
“I will be changing the lives of other people. This accomplishment is not just a career opportunity, but rather it marks a new beginning for my family and me. I'm very excited about the future, and about the opportunity to be in a position that allows me to serve the community that has given so much to me.”
Story by Vanessa Mallari, vmallari@goodwillsa.org
Meet Arlene!
Twenty-three years ago, Arlene began her journey with Goodwill San Antonio as a Workforce Development Associate, helping students find work and resources to expand their growth. Over time, she fell in love with work and the people around her, and Goodwill quickly became her second home.
Just as things were falling into place, Arlene was diagnosed with uterine cancer, putting her career on pause. But she wasn’t alone. Her coworkers stepped in, donating their own time off so she could focus on recovering.
“I’m grateful to have each other to lean on to support one another,” Arlene said. “Our goal as a team is to fulfill our mission here at Goodwill.”
With the support of her family and work family, Arlene returned stronger than ever and in a new role as Admissions Specialist. “Having the passion to help people that need it is what keeps me motivated every day,” Arlene said.
Please join us in celebrating Arlene’s resilience and amazing 23-year journey with Goodwill San Antonio!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Looking for work or training opportunities? Goodwill’s Career Services are free and open to everyone. Click here to learn more. And when you donate or shop at Goodwill, you’re helping change lives through the power of work.
By: Bela Gonzalez, Digital Communication Specialist
Meet Glenn👋
Glenn is a Goodwill San Antonio donation attendant with big dreams and an inspiring journey. After serving 16 years in prison, he was determined to turn his life around. He began searching for a second-chance employer and that’s when he found Goodwill.
As a child, Glen had dreamed of following in his dad's footsteps of becoming a truck driver. When he shared that dream with his supervisor, Brenda Woods, she helped put him on the path by connecting him with Goodwill’s Re-entry and CDL programs.
Today, Glen has successfully earned his CDL and aspires to help others with similar backgrounds.
“I’m grateful to Goodwill for the opportunity to even work” Glen said. “They went above and beyond for me, and it’s changed my life”
We’re so proud of you, Glenn 🌟
#SmilesOfGoodwill #80YearsOfChangingLives
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Looking for work or training opportunities? Goodwill’s Career Services are free and open to everyone. Click here to learn more. And when you donate or shop at Goodwill, you’re helping change lives through the power of work.
By: Bela Gonzalez, Digital Communication Specialist
From an early age, William was immersed in toxic environments. With parents who were in active addiction, William grew up believing that it was okay to live with addiction as long as “the bills were being paid.” This mentality would later cost him. Life quickly took a turn for the worse; with the loss of three important people, he began to lose sight of the light at the end of the tunnel.
As life seemed to be getting harder, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison. While in prison he would learn the financial burden he was putting on his mother, which was what prompted him to actively do better for himself and his loved ones. With a new perspective on life, he shortly came to realize he wanted to change the image his daughter had of him; “I don’t want to mess up and lose the chance of not being in her life again” he said.
Shortly after being released, he was introduced to the Goodwill re-entry program. During the program, William’s Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) instructor encouraged him to apply at Goodwill, his first job out of prison. William not only got a job at Goodwill working as a groundskeeper at Fort Sam Houston, he earned a 93.8 on his final, graduating at the top of his class.
For William, Goodwill is more than a job, it is a second chance towards a better future.
“Goodwill never saw me like I was anything other than a normal person” he said, “it’s something people like us don’t get when we’re released.”
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Looking for work or training opportunities? Goodwill’s Career Services are free and open to everyone. Click here to learn more. And when you donate or shop at Goodwill, you’re helping change lives through the power of work.
By: Bela Gonzalez, Digital Communication Specialist
Yolanda's life took unexpected turns after her marriage ended, leading her into addiction and homelessness. With courage, she sought help, achieved sobriety, and found employment at Goodwill San Antonio, which became her support system.
Despite facing health challenges like multiple sclerosis and a stroke, Goodwill Team Members stood by her, offering care and support. Through Goodwill's guidance and her own perseverance, Yolanda rebuilt her life, finding hope, purpose, and a supportive community!
Her story exemplifies the power of redemption and the transformative impact of organizations like Goodwill in people's lives.
https://www.goodwillsa.org/locations/
3310 E Commerce St. San Antonio, TX 78220
Goodwill San Antonio
406 W. Commerce
San Antonio, Texas 78207
210-924-8581 | 800-483-9455
