Success Story: Kristy H.
Positivity, compassion, and motivation are three things you’ll notice about Kristy after speaking with her for just a few moments. Her positivity radiates through her smile, and her compassion reveals itself when you learn a little more about her history- and her passion for her future is palpable.
Kristy first came to Triad Goodwill after struggling to find employment – particularly in the healthcare industry.
“I took care of my mother and grandmother when they were sick– they never went to assisted living, we took care of them the whole time, and I think that’s how I figured out I wanted to be in healthcare,” she explains. Despite her persistence in applying to jobs she struggled to get hired.
“When you apply for a job, you don’t always know what may be showing up on your background check – and that’s why I wasn’t getting hired.”
In December of 2022 Kristy came to the Triad Goodwill Career Center and enrolled in the Career Navigation programs. She began meeting with Jason Norris (Job Development Manager) to explore career options, set goals, and set out on path to a career in healthcare.
During their coaching sessions, Jason was able to connect Kristy with the Restorative Pathways Project through Atrium Health. This new initiative recruits, trains, onboards, and assists in transitioning justice involved individuals into careers in healthcare.
“If I had not come to Goodwill and met Jason I would have had no idea about the Restorative Pathways program. He literally walked me through every step of the process- from applying, gathering documents for the application, and connecting me with the recruiter at Atrium to ensure everything was correct and submitted on time,” says Kristy.
“I have a different outlook on life now, and I can pursue my career in Nursing, which is something I have wanted to do my whole life.”
Kristy is now employed with Atrium Health in Patient Transport and is looking forward to the next step in her career. She has regular check-ins with Jason and the career navigation team and is on the path to become a nurse.
“Jason and Goodwill have helped me get where I am today and has given me a second chance at life. This experience has pointed me in a positive direction and helped me pursue my goals. Just knowing that there are people out there that care and want to help people makes a huge difference after the situations I have experienced in my life.”
Triad Goodwill’s Career Center at 1235 S. Eugene St. in Greensboro is open Monday thru Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and walk-ins are welcome. Career Navigators are available at no cost to our community thanks to Goodwill’s donors, shoppers, and supporters.
To learn more about the Career Center and available programs, visit https://www.triadgoodwill.org/train/career-center/
“This program has literally changed my life. I can honestly say that had I not come to Goodwill, I would not be on the career path I’m on today.”