fbpx

It All Starts With You
  1. Home
  2. /
  3. It All Starts With...

At Goodwill of Colorado, we believe that one person can make a huge difference in the world.

One person…investing in the success of another individual…who then has the skills and confidence to become more independent. The path forward to self-sufficiency—it all starts with you. Your generosity provides training and up-skilling opportunities that help individuals like Jeff and Jennette earn a living wage.

Jeff and Jennette are prime examples of recent participants in Goodwill’s LIFT IT Training and BankWork$ programs. As a young boy, Jeff showed a great fascination and natural talent for information technology, and after graduating from high school he decided to further his passion and enroll in a technical school. Unfortunately, that passion quickly faded due to the school’s impersonal and formal structure. Jeff eventually dropped out of class and abandoned his dreams of becoming an IT professional.

At the age of 30, Jeff was tens of thousands of dollars in debt, living paycheck-to-paycheck with no ambitions or career opportunities in sight. Thankfully, he was introduced to Goodwill of Colorado’s LIFT IT Training program and enthusiastically plugged back into his passion —graduating with three professional certifications and securing a well paying, rewarding job. Jeff overcame his barriers to employment and found success … and it started with you! Learn more about Jeff’s story in the video below.

Twelve years ago, Jennette was beginning her recovery from addiction. She was given an opportunity at Goodwill as a Sales Associate and worked hard to eventually become a Store Manager. In 2020, she learned about the BankWork$ program and realized that a banking career would allow her to do what she loves: working with people.

Despite the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jennette gathered the courage to pursue her dream, change her life and advance her career by enrolling in BankWork$. When Jennette would feel nervous and scared, the BankWork$ team would provide support, guidance, and the assurance that she had what it took to find her place in the job she was meant to have.

Jennette shares, “I remember the day I applied for a job with Academy Bank. I felt confident because through the program and the process, I had already spoken to the job fair interviewer three times. When I was given the opportunity to talk with the hiring manager, we had a 30-minute interview and by the end of the conversation, I had an offer with an organization I felt valued me and provided endless opportunities. I was shocked, scared, and excited all at the same time! I called my instructor and remember leaving her a message of excitement and happiness.”

Your financial gift allows individuals to provide for their families, and contribute to our local economy as consumers. Participants in Goodwill’s life-transforming programs often express a strong desire to “pay it forward” in both their personal and professional lives—gratefully assisting others in appreciation for the opportunities they were given thanks to Goodwill and our generous donors, like you.

Please join us in helping more Coloradans like Jeff and Jennette by making your year-end donation today.

 

Donations may also be made via check payable to “Goodwill of Colorado,” which will support Goodwill of Colorado and its community programs. Please send your donation to:

Goodwill of Colorado Foundation
1460 Garden of the Gods Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80907

Enterprise Zone

Extend the power of your donation! Gifts of $250 or more may be eligible for the Enterprise Zone state tax credit. Click here for details.

For more information or for questions regarding financial donations, please call Bonnie Goff at (719) 884-1483.