At Goodwill San Antonio, Donations Create Jobs.

For years, Nicholas was trapped in a cycle of addiction. His life fell out of control causing his relationships to crumble, and eventually, his choices caught up with him, leading to prison.

It was during his time in prison that he realized he had to fight for a different future. Nicholas realized he needed to reclaim his life, and that’s when he found out about the Good Careers Academy. When he was released, he immediately enrolled in the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program.

“Learning the skills to drive professionally was about more than just a license—it was my chance to rebuild everything I had lost. During this transformative time, I was fortunate to have the support of Brandon and Corey. They saw potential in me that I didn’t see in myself. Their encouragement came at a critical juncture, reminding me that I was more than my past mistakes. “

With the help of the Good Careers Academy, Nicholas was able to take control of his life. He has completed his program and has been placed in his field of work. Nicholas’ journey is an example of trial and triumph. Today, he stands as a testament of resilience and the power of second chances.

Congratulations on your amazing accomplishment, Nicholas!

After struggling with substance abuse, Eric realized needed to change his lifestyle, that's when he turned to Goodwill San Antonio for help. Soon after he was introduced to a Goodwill life skills coach who provided him with a bus pass, gift cards and shoes for his job.

Delia has been with Goodwill for nearly 4 years. She exemplifies how Goodwill helps change lives through the power of work. Prior to Goodwill, Delia lived paycheck to paycheck, struggling to support her family. A challenge many people in our community face. Having met multiple setbacks, with Goodwill's help she was determined to succeed.

Let’s watch Delia share how Goodwill recognized her potential, setting her up on a successful career path.

Born in Montana, Dalton was the youngest in a household of ten. By the time he turned 17, his father told him it was time to leave the house and build a life of his own. He moved to nearby Boise, Idaho, under intense pressure to look for work. While other kids were living typical teenage lives by going to football games and prom, Dalton was working multiple jobs at a time just to survive. In his early 20s, Dalton was working odd jobs while jumping from couch to couch to stay afloat. He worked as an office janitor, pizza delivery driver, and on the loading dock at a milk plant facility and saved up just enough to rent a room to stay in.

After losing one of his jobs, Dalton became homeless and lived in his car for several months. Life moved him to San Antonio where he again struggled to find steady work. He was a part-time bus driver, but the hours were not realistic and began taking a toll on him. Dalton was going through his savings and was on the verge of being homeless for the third time in his life, until fate brought him to Goodwill.

Dalton applied to be a part of Grounds Maintenance as a second job. Right before he was offered the job, he asked if there was any opportunity for him to utilize his CDL License. Luckily, there was an opening for the Home Pickup Team. Dalton has been with the Home Pickup team since October 2022, and it has been his sole full-time job ever since. Being on the Home Pickup team has given Dalton peace of mind where he doesn’t have to worry if he’ll have enough to pay his rent and become homeless again.

Dalton is thriving in his position and in May, he received the “CAPpy” Award which is awarded to the Top 5 Goodwill Team Members in the nation for providing excellent customer service. Dalton is the first member of the Home Pickup Team to receive this award and consistently delivers excellent customer service and sets a strong example for his fellow team members.

“I pride myself in being genuine with our customers. I love talking to everyone and I can always find a common ground for conversation.”

Dalton has become a key member of the Home Pickup team, consistently serving as an excellent representative of the organization. He enjoys coming to work with his team, who make the workday feel more enjoyable and less like a job.

Dalton’s story is a powerful reminder that there is always hope. Obstacles can lead to opportunities beyond what you could imagine. Through Goodwill, Dalton has created a stable life for himself and found a supportive community with his team and the organization.

Story by Vanessa Mallari

For the past 20 years, Brian Lowery worked as a prison guard at a maximum-security facility. His workdays were filled with high-stress situations coupled with overtime hours. It was a combination that began to take a toll on his personal life and mental health.

With anxiety following him home, Brian was ultimately diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Better known as PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental health condition typically developed after someone experiences a traumatic event.

Determined to find a job that would bring him more peace, Brian decided to leave his position as a prison guard for a fresh start. That’s when his journey led him to a job fair hosted by Goodwill San Antonio.

While at the fair he met Sabrina Vela, a Records Management Manager for Goodwill San Antonio’s Business Services Department. After interviewing for the position, Brian was offered a job and introduced to the AbilityOne Program. A federal procurement program designed to employ workers with disabilities while providing support to the government.

In his job as a Medical Records Associate, Brian processes medical records for military veterans. And despite struggling with mental health issues, he is thriving in his position and has noticed the positive impact Goodwill has had on his life.

“Goodwill has truly changed my life, and my family’s life for the better,” said Brian, who has found peace and joy in life again. “I am truly blessed to have such a great job to work at every day.”

By Yvonne Byrd (ybyrd@goodwillsa.org)

After growing up in an abusive environment, a series of poor choices led Brandi to prison. After serving her sentence, she was introduced to the Goodwill Reentry Program, where she earned multiple certifications.