Sandra: A Story of Triumph

At just 13 years old, Sandra faced an alcohol addiction that would shape much of her early life.  In 2002, one decision behind the wheel changed everything. After drinking, Sandra caused a car accident that led to a 10-year prison sentence.  

After serving her sentence, Sandra was released, but her battle with addiction wasn’t over. She worked various jobs, often finding herself back in old habits around the one-year mark of employment. Her turning point came unexpectedly when a cashier at her nearby Goodwill informed her about an open position. Sandra applied and was hired as a cashier. It didn’t take long for her leadership team to take notice of her hard work ethic and dedication; within a year she was promoted to Assistant Manager, set to open a new store.  

But for Sandra, success came with self-doubt. As she sat in her car, she reflected on her new role, and the strides she had made within the one year working for Goodwill. She was reminded of her past feelings of unworthiness and helplessness. 

“That would’ve been every reason for me to fall back into my addiction. What made it different was my team at Goodwill,” Sandra said.  

Instead of returning to her old ways, Sandra was met with phone calls and support from her manager, Burt, and colleagues Cassie, Nate, and Jose. “Having someone show up when I felt undeserving changed the course of my life,” she said.  

Now sober, Sandra credits her team and Goodwill’s life coaches for giving her the strength to rebuild her life. “No one had given me a second chance, but my team did,” Sandra said, “Now I show up every day because I will be that person in times of need the way Burt was for me.” 

Today, Sandra speaks at the local parole department and helps others. After ten years spent at Goodwill San Antonio, she has dedicated her life to her work, and to helping others find hope. “I’m here to say Goodwill 100% changes lives,” Sandra said. 

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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

igonzalez@goodwillsa.org.