More Than a Store
Goodwill Podcast
Welcome to “More Than a Store,” the official podcast of Goodwill San Antonio. Dive deep into the inspiring stories and impactful initiatives that make Goodwill San Antonio a cornerstone of the community. In each episode, we go beyond the aisles to explore how Goodwill is helping change lives through the power of work.
In recognition of Disability Pride Month, we’re highlighting the experiences, contributions and achievements of people with disabilities. In this episode of More Than a Store, Michael shares his journey throughout more than 20 years at Goodwill San Antonio. From the different roles he has held to his current work as a Medical Records Associate supporting access to military medical records, Michael reflects on his experiences, the people he has worked with and what has kept him at Goodwill for more than two decades. Join us for a conversation about disability, meaningful employment, and the importance of creating workplaces where every person has the opportunity to contribute and succeed.
Discover how Goodwill San Antonio creates employment opportunities for people of all abilities and helps individuals build meaningful careers.
In this special episode of More Than a Store, we’re honored to welcome Goodwill San Antonio’s President & CEO, Carlos Contreras, as our special guest. Join us as Carlos shares his insights and vision for the future of the organization.
From new initiatives to upcoming projects, don’t miss this exclusive conversation with the leader at the helm of our mission-driven organization.
Goodwill San Antonio is proudly celebrating 80 years of service, marking eight decades of changing lives through the power of work! Since its founding in 1945, Goodwill San Antonio has been providing career education, training, and employment placement opportunities to individuals with barriers.
Look who’s turning 80! Join host Libby Castillo, Director of Strategic Communications, for a special celebration of Goodwill San Antonio’s 80th anniversary. In this episode, Libby is joined by Jerry Arellano, Vice President of Marketing and Communications. Together they reflect on the legacy, growth, and impact Goodwill San Antonio has had over the past eight decades.
Goodwill San Antonio is proudly celebrating 80 years of service, marking eight decades of changing lives through the power of work! Since its founding in 1945, Goodwill San Antonio has been providing career education, training, and employment placement opportunities to individuals with barriers.
In this episode of More Than a Store, host Libby Castillo, Director of Strategic Communications at Goodwill San Antonio, sits down with Melanie Gomez, Manager of the Life Skills Program, for a meaningful conversation about the free life skills services available to all Goodwill team members.
Melanie offers a behind-the-scenes look at how her team empowers individuals to overcome personal and professional challenges. Whether it’s navigating the obstacles of life or accessing community resources. Learn how the Life Skills Program is making a difference in the lives of our team members every day.
At Goodwill San Antonio, we believe every team member deserves the support they need to succeed, not just in the workplace, but in life. Our Life Skills Program is just one way we empower individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Want to see the impact yourself? Explore real stories of resilience and success on our stories page.
In this very special episode of More Than the Store, our host Libby Castillo, Director of Strategic Communications at Goodwill San Antonio, sits down with two visionary leaders, Steve Preston, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries International, and Carlos Contreras, CEO of Goodwill San Antonio.
Together, they explore the global and local impact of Goodwill. From transforming lives through employment and training, to driving environmental sustainability through reuse and recycling. Discover how Goodwill creates opportunities, empowers communities, and builds a stronger economy for all.
This year, Goodwill San Antonio proudly celebrates 80 years of impact in our community. Since 1945, we’ve helped thousands of individuals unlock their potential through the power of work.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to building a community powered by a skilled workforce, successful businesses, and a strong economy.
In honor of Workforce Development Month, this episode of More Than a Store showcases how Goodwill San Antonio is transforming lives through its free career training opportunities.
Host Libby Castillo sits down with Christine Urdialez, Director of Workforce Development, to explore the wide range of certifications and programs offered through the Goodwill San Antonio Academy. Together, they discuss how our free programs empower individuals to gain valuable skills, enter high-demand career fields, and build brighter futures for themselves and their families.
Listeners will also hear from Shaianne Dunbar, a Medical Assistant student, who shared her journey through the Academy and the impact of Goodwill’s support.
Want to take the first step toward your future career?
Free career training programs through the Goodwill San Antonio Academy
Opportunities available through our Career Centers
Resources provided in partnership with SA Ready to Work
Whether you’re looking to earn a certification, start a new career, or simply need a second chance, Goodwill is here to help you every step of the way.
In this episode of More Than a Store, host Libby Castillo sits down with Mike Ramsey, Executive Director of the City of San Antonio’s Workforce Development Office, to explore how the SA Ready to Work and Goodwill San Antonio partnership is opening doors for local residents.
Together, they discuss how education, training, and wraparound support are helping individuals gain meaningful careers and long-term stability.
Listeners will also hear the inspiring story of Brittany Linares, a single mother of six who is pursuing her dream career through Goodwill’s Medical Assistant training.
Join us as we explore how opportunity and the power of work are changing lives across San Antonio.
Goodwill San Antonio is proud to be a prime partner in the City of San Antonio’s SA Ready to Work initiative. Through this partnership, we’re expanding access to career training and job placement services, empowering individuals to build stable, rewarding careers in high-demand fields like healthcare, logistics, and construction.
To learn more about the Goodwill Academy and the SA Ready to Work partnership, visit goodwillsa.org/career-training.
As Season Two of More Than a Store comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on a year of impact at Goodwill San Antonio. In this special finale episode, host Libby Castillo is joined by Yvonne Byrd, Multimedia Design Manager and a contributing interviewer throughout the season, to reflect on the moments, milestones, and stories that shaped 2025.
From celebrating Goodwill San Antonio’s 80th anniversary to expanding workforce programs, responding to community needs, and amplifying voices across the organization, this episode features sound bites from students, longtime team members, and community leaders. It is a conversation that captures what it truly means to be More Than a Store.
At Goodwill San Antonio every purchase funds our mission of changing lives through the power of work. From youth to adults, we provide free education training, and career services that help people in our community find meaningful employment and achieve financial stability.
Welcome to our new Podcast! In the debut episode of ‘More Than a Store,’ we delve into how Goodwill San Antonio, a non-profit organization, is truly helping change lives through the power of work.
Join us as we sit down with Jerry Arellano, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, to learn about the history of Goodwill and how Goodwill San Antonio continues to impact the community by providing GOOD jobs, career training, and employment placement services.
Also, we’ll hear from Yolanda Patterson, a production associate at our Austin Hwy store who shares her inspiring story of how Goodwill helped her rebuild her life, finding hope, purpose, and a supportive community.
About Goodwill San Antonio
For decades, Goodwill San Antonio has remained committed to our mission of “Helping Change Lives Through the Power of Work” Our nearly 1,800 team members work passionately to achieve transformational impact within the communities we serve. Through their spirit of collaboration and genuine care of helping people, our organization continues to achieve record-setting milestones year-after-year.
In the true spirit of the ‘More Than a Store,’ podcast we explore the powerful impact of workforce development at Goodwill San Antonio with our special guest, Angelique De Oliveira.
As the Chief Mission Officer, Angelique shares her insights on how Goodwill empowers individuals through career training programs, employment placement services, and community partnerships.
You’ll also hear from Jose Cantu, a recent graduate from the Good Careers Academy who is a proud example of the power of second chances.
A leader in workforce development for nearly 80 years, Goodwill San Antonio continues to address barriers to meaningful employment and offer GOOD jobs, career training, and employment placement services to the community at no cost.
In episode three of More Than a Store, host Libby Castillo sits down with William Perry, Vice President of Contract Services at Goodwill San Antonio. Together, they explore how Goodwill’s Business Services unit provides solutions to local companies, the government and City of San Antonio.
William also discusses the organization’s commitment to inclusivity by providing meaningful job opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Tune in to discover how Goodwill’s mission goes beyond retail!
For over 40 years, Goodwill San Antonio has been providing business services solutions for federal and state governments, local municipalities, and companies in our community. Goodwill Business Services’ success is built on customer relationships, with community-minded organizations that share our goal for a skilled workforce and a thriving community.
In this month’s episode of the More Than a Store podcast, host Libby Castillo is thrilled to share what’s happening at Goodwill San Antonio.
This episode features our special co-host, Melissa Curiel, Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Engagement. Together, they explore the incredible ways Goodwill empowers individuals, fosters inclusion, and creates opportunities that change lives.
You will also hear from a few Goodwill team members who are military veterans, who share their experiences and reflections from our annual Veterans Day Luncheon.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation about inclusion, community, and how DEI is in Goodwill’s DNA.
At Goodwill San Antonio, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are at the core of everything we do. We are committed to fostering a workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.
In this special episode of More Than a Store, Libby Castillo, Director of Strategic Communications, welcomes Yvonne Byrd, Multimedia Design Manager, and podcast producer. Together, they look back at 2024 and the incredible stories that made this year memorable.
Hear from our team members as they share their highlights from 2024 and reflect on the impact Goodwill San Antonio has made in the community. Don’t miss this inspiring year-end conversation.
At Goodwill San Antonio every purchase funds our mission of changing lives through the power of work. From youth to adults, we provide free education training, and career services that help people in our community find meaningful employment and achieve financial stability.
From heartwarming success stories to in-depth interviews with key leaders and community partners, “More Than a Store” showcases the incredible work happening behind the scenes. Join us as we uncover the many ways Goodwill San Antonio is much more than just a place to shop—it’s a force for good.
Whether you’re a longtime supporter or new to the Goodwill family, this podcast will give you a fresh perspective on the profound impact of our mission. Tune in and be inspired by the stories of resilience, innovation, and community spirit that define Goodwill San Antonio.
Meet The Team
Meet Yvonne
Yvonne Byrd is the Senior Manager of Brand Communications at Goodwill San Antonio, where she brings creativity and innovation to the organization’s visual and digital communications. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for design, Yvonne expertly crafts engaging content that highlights Goodwill’s mission and impact in the community.
As the producer of the “More Than a Store” podcast, Yvonne combines her multimedia expertise with her love for impactful narratives. Ensuring each episode resonates with listeners and effectively communicates the stories of Goodwill San Antonio’s initiatives and successes.
Meet Libby
Libby Castillo is the Director of Strategic Communications at Goodwill San Antonio, where she leads the organization’s efforts in shaping and sharing its powerful narrative. With a strategic mindset and a talent for effective communication, Libby ensures that Goodwill’s mission and impact are conveyed with clarity and purpose across various platforms.
As the host of the “More Than a Store” podcast, Libby brings her expertise and passion for storytelling to the forefront. Her engaging interviewing style and deep understanding of Goodwill’s initiatives allow her to highlight the stories of individuals and programs that make a difference in the community.
Goodwill San Antonio
406 W. Commerce
San Antonio, Texas 78207
210-924-8581 | 800-483-9455
