Each morning, Albert takes two buses across the city to get to work.

Despite the long commute, he arrives with the same energy his coworkers have come to expect.

“I come in every day happy,” Albert said. “You’ll probably never see me with a sad face. That’s just me.”

Behind Albert’s positive outlook is a story of resilience. At age 6, he entered foster care, where he remained until he was adopted. After turning 18, he left home and set out on his own.

For Albert, the next few years were difficult as he worked to find his footing and determine what he wanted his future to look like.

That perspective began to change when he became a father. With the birth of his children, Jeremiah and Janiyah, Albert found a new sense of purpose and a reason to build a more stable future for his family.

“I’ve been through a lot in my life, and I want to be a better person,” Albert said.

As his family grew, finding dependable work became a priority. Albert worked contract jobs in technical support, but the work was inconsistent.

Then, an old ticket unexpectedly changed his path. After being assigned eight hours of community service, Albert searched for a nearby organization where he could complete the requirement and found Goodwill San Antonio.

He was assigned to the donation station, where he quickly connected with the work and his team. Before finishing his hours, Albert asked if the store was hiring.

“They told me I had to wait until I finished my hours,” he said. “So, I hurried up and completed them. As soon as I was done, I came back and filled out an application.”

Soon after, Albert joined the team as a donation attendant and found the steady job he had been seeking for his family.

Since joining Goodwill, Albert has gained confidence and set new goals. He is now considering leadership classes to strengthen his communication skills and prepare for advancement.

“This job has really been a blessing,” Albert said. “It came at a time when I didn’t know I needed it.”

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At Goodwill San Antonio, we believe in changing lives through the power of work. Through meaningful employment and career development, we help people create brighter futures for themselves and their families. To learn more about our mission, click here.

By Yvonne Byrd, Senior Manager of Brand Communications

Meet Elaine!

Born with a congenital hand difference, Elaine was adopted at age two by a family who also lives with a disability. Raised in a supportive and loving home, she grew up feeling accepted and saw her disability as a natural part of her everyday life.

It wasn't until she joined grade school that she encountered bullying and isolation. “The other kids made me feel like I wasn’t capable,” Elaine shared. “They made me think ‘I have this disability, why try?’”

As she grew older, she found friends who treated her no differently from the rest, molding her back into her once confident self. It was no different when she joined the Goodwill team two years ago. In contrast to her experiences in grade school, Elaine was embraced by her team. “At Goodwill no one questions my ability” Elaine said, “if anyone sees I need help, someone on the team is always there.”

Through all of her hardships, Elaine has reclaimed her confidence. “My disability doesn’t define me,” Elaine said. “I am capable.”

This Disability Pride Month, we honor Elaine for her tenacity and strength. At Goodwill San Antonio, we're proud to foster a workplace where every team member is valued for who they are; not defined by their disabilities.

By, Izabela Gonzalez, Digital Communication Specialist

Elaine’s story is just one of many made possible through Goodwill San Antonio.
To learn how you can begin your own journey, or support others in theirs, https://www.goodwillsa.org 

When Andre joined Goodwill San Antonio in 2020, he was eager to build a meaningful career and make a difference through his work.

Starting as a crew member, Andre quickly earned a reputation for his reliability, leadership, and commitment to excellence. His dedication opened the door to new opportunities, leading him to become both a crew leader and quality control specialist.

Today, Andre supports grounds maintenance operations across Goodwill San Antonio's contract locations, helping ensure each site meets the organization's high standards. His journey reflects how hard work, perseverance, and opportunity can lead to lasting success.

Meet Daniel, one of the friendly faces welcoming donors at our Goodwill store near Bandera Road.

After struggling to find work during the pandemic, Daniel found an opportunity at Goodwill. Five years later, he continues to enjoy connecting with donors and working alongside his team.

Whether he is helping unload a car or greeting someone as they arrive, Daniel is known for his kindness and the smile he brings to every donation.

Help us thank Daniel for five years of service and for making every donor feel welcome!

Learn how your donations support our mission at www.goodwillsa.org/donate.

Meet Henry.

When Henry moved to San Antonio, finding a job was his top priority. He visited a Goodwill San Antonio Career Center for help with his resume, not knowing the visit would lead him to an opportunity at Goodwill.

Henry was hired as a Production Associate and quickly found more than a job. He found a supportive team and a sense of belonging.

Eight years later, Henry continues to make a difference through his work and the kindness he shows those around him.

“I enjoy working with Goodwill,” Henry said. “It’s been my pleasure to help those around me.”

Join us in celebrating Henry and the positive impact he has made during his eight years at Goodwill!

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When Brianna enrolled in Goodwill San Antonio's Pharmacy Technician program, she was looking for an opportunity to build a better future.

Over the next eight months, Brianna worked hard to complete the program, including mastering the math skills required for a career in pharmacy.

Today, Brianna is working as a pharmacy technician at H-E-B, earning a higher salary, and enjoying the independence that comes with moving into her first apartment.

Looking ahead, she hopes to specialize in compounding pharmacy and continue growing in her career. She also hopes her journey inspires her younger cousins and others to pursue opportunities that can help them reach their goals.

Congratulations, Brianna, on this exciting new chapter!