Nicole: A Story of Hope

Nicole knows what it feels like to be homeless. As a teenager, she grew up raising her younger brother while her single mother battled drug addiction. Stability arrived when she moved in with her father. A turning point that shaped not only her future, but her purpose in life. 

Today, Nicole is the newly promoted Team Lead of Workforce Development Programs at Goodwill San Antonio’s NXT Level Youth Opportunity Center, where she helps young adults facing the same barriers she once did.   “I know what it’s like to be in their shoes,” said Nicole. “When they talk about the nights they didn’t know where they’d sleep or the pressure of taking care of family, I get it because I’ve been there.”   

The NXT Level Youth Opportunity Center, operated by Goodwill San Antonio in partnership with Communities in Schools and the City of San Antonio, is specifically designed for young adults aged 16–24 who are not in school or working full-time. Many of the participants arrive facing barriers like homelessness, trauma, or having been involved in the criminal justice system. Others arrive because they’ve run out of options. It’s NXT Level team members like Nicole who help them build personalized plans for education, employment, and stability.  

“Nicole is an example of resilience and perseverance,” said Angela Lamas, Manager of Workforce Programs at NXT Level Manager at Goodwill San Antonio. “She has overcome many of the same barriers our youth face. That lived experience is what makes her such a powerful leader.” When Nicole first joined Goodwill San Antonio as an Education Coach, she was still working to get back on her feet. At the time, she relied on public transportation to get to work and was focused on creating stability for her family. Over the past three years, her perseverance has paid off. She bought her own car, secured steady housing, and most recently fulfilled a promise to her daughter by moving into a new home.  

 Alongside her personal milestones, Goodwill also invested in her professional development. She completed Goodwill’s Leadership Development Program, which helped prepare her for her new role at NXT Level. “When I share my own personal story with the participants, they know that I’m not here to judge them,” said Nicole. I’m here to help them succeed.”Nicole’s leadership and lived experience embody Goodwill San Antonio’s mission by providing free programs that equip individuals with the skills needed to thrive in today’s workforce. 

“She’s living proof that transformation is possible,” said Angela. “And now, she’s helping others see that possibility for themselves.”  

By, Yvonne Byrd, ybyrd@goodwillsa.org.