Rachel’s Success Story
When Rachel packed up her life in Florida and moved to Yanceyville, North Carolina with her boyfriend, she was hopeful, but also a little scared.
Like many people starting over, she was searching for something better: more opportunity, more stability, and a chance to build a future of her own.
“We wanted to finally be on our own,” Rachel said. “We weren’t sure how much of a struggle that could be, but we were determined to figure it out.”
The move drained nearly all of their savings, leaving the couple with only a small financial cushion. Finding a full-time job quickly became a necessity. Fortunately, Rachel found exactly what she was looking for at Triad Goodwill.
Rachel came into the store simply to shop. While she was there, she overheard employees talking about an open Shift Supervisor position. She applied that same day.
“I immediately liked everyone I met,” Rachel recalled. “Everyone was welcoming, and I had a really good feeling about it.”
After years of working in food service management, Rachel was used to unpredictable schedules, labor cuts, and constantly wondering whether she’d have enough hours to pay her bills.
Goodwill was different.
“This is probably the healthiest job I’ve ever had,” she said. “I have a steady schedule, supportive managers, and I know my hours aren’t going to disappear. That kind of stability changes everything.”
During orientation, Rachel learned that Goodwill offers Career Navigation services for employees as well as community members.
At the time, Rachel had gone years without replacing her glasses because she simply couldn’t afford them or keep up with it.
Driving at night had become increasingly difficult, especially after moving to a more rural area. “I didn’t realize how dark it got at night around here,” she laughed.
“I couldn’t afford new glasses,” she said. “When I learned Goodwill might be able to help, it honestly felt life-changing and I was excited!”
Rachel connected with Justine (Career Navigator), who helped her receive a voucher for a new pair of glasses.
“It was such a huge weight off my shoulders,” Rachel said. “I didn’t feel embarrassed asking for help, and it relived a lot stress for the safety of others and myself.”
That experience changed how she viewed Goodwill.
“I thought Goodwill was just a thrift store that helped people in the community. I had no idea how much they actually do for employees, for job seekers, and for the environment.”
What has surprised Rachel most isn’t just the programs, it’s the culture. After experiencing unhealthy work environments in previous jobs, she says working at Goodwill has restored her confidence.
“My managers genuinely care,” she said. “If I’m down in the dumps or having a hard day, they ask how I’m doing, or if I need to talk and let it out. If I make a mistake I don’t get yelled at, it’s ‘next time let’s do it this way’, they teach me instead of berating me which is how it felt at other jobs. There’s compassion here.”
That support has given Rachel something she hasn’t had in years: peace of mind.
“My sleep schedule is back on track. I’m not worried about my hours getting cut or wondering how I’m going to pay my bills. Having a routine and a stable job has made such a difference.”
Rachel is focusing on the “now” but thinking of pursuing a degree in accounting.
While she’s weighing her options, she says Goodwill has given her the confidence to keep moving forward and the reminder that investing in herself is worth it.
Since sharing her story, Rachel has accepted a new opportunity outside of Goodwill. While we’re sad to see her go, we’re incredibly grateful to have been part of her journey and are excited to see where her path leads next.
Looking back on the leap she took to move hundreds of miles from home; Rachel has one piece of advice for anyone who’s hesitant to ask for help or make a change.
“You never know what’s possible until you try,” she said. “Change is scary, but you’re not going to know what opportunities are waiting for you unless you take that first step.”
For Rachel, that first step started with walking into a Goodwill store.
Today, she’s not just building a career she’s building the future she came to North Carolina in hopes to find.
