More to Our Store-y: Daniel Breen, Baler
Daniel Breen’s journey in his own words from living on the streets to obtaining stability and independence with his job at Goodwill Industries of the Valleys. Q: How did you start working at Goodwill, and how has your journey been since joining the organization in 2017? A: I began working at Goodwill thanks to an opportunity from the Rescue Mission of Roanoke, where I was staying at the time. I enjoyed the job and was eventually hired full time. Since then, my life has changed dramatically. I’ve moved from homelessness to having my own apartment, which is a big achievement…
More to Our Store-y: Melissa “Shug” Banks, E-Commerce Supervisor
Discover the inspiring journey of Melissa, affectionately known as “Shug,” who transformed her life through Goodwill Industries of the Valleys. Initially seeking a change from her third-shift job, Shug found more than just employment at Goodwill; she discovered a community dedicated to making a difference. From her start as a shipper to becoming a supervisor in e-commerce, her career has flourished alongside Goodwill’s mission. Shug shares how initiatives like Melrose Plaza are reshaping her community and providing opportunities for the next generation. Her story is a testament to personal growth, mentorship, and the profound impact of meaningful work. Read more…
“The Most Important Months of My Life”: A Teen’s Journey of Obtaining His GED at Goodwill
Eighteen-year-old Eain Lawhorn hadn’t stepped foot in a traditional classroom in almost a decade. “The last time I went to a public school was third grade,” said Lawhorn, who’d been homeschooled with his siblings in Roanoke. “I didn’t have much going for me and wasn’t too proud of what I had managed to accomplish up till then.” This June, Lawhorn officially became a graduate of Goodwill Industries of the Valley’s YouthBuild & GED program. Goodwill partners with local providers to offer adult students the opportunity to complete a program to earn their GED® or National External Diploma Program®. Although Goodwill was…
Life After Incarceration: A Former Prisoner’s Reflection on Goodwill’s Career Navigation Program
Virginia releases roughly 229,418 men and 67,496 women from its prisons and jails each year. In the realm of reentry programs and career navigation, Goodwill Industries of the Valleys has emerged as a beacon of hope for individuals seeking a fresh start. One Virginian’s transformative journey from the prison system to ushering systemic change in his community paints a vivid picture of empowerment, resilience, and unwavering commitment to bettering oneself. Bernard Taylor always assumed that Goodwill was just a clothing store. After serving 25 years at Bland Correctional Center, the Roanoke native returned to his hometown and sought support to restart his…
Pricing Systems at Goodwill
Goodwill Industries of the Valleys receives thousands of items each day at its retail locations in Central, Southwest, and Southside Virginia. These donations fuel the retail stores that support the job seeker services provided by Goodwill in the local community. Goodwill uses pricing guidelines to assist employees as they determine how to price an item. While employees use a computer system to create the pricing stickers, the system provides a range of 5-10 prices for an item category. The computer system does not designate among brands. “Perhaps the biggest misperception related to pricing is that our employees look up each…
