Relationships that truly make a difference are the building blocks that have molded the success of Goodwill Industries of Northwest NC.
Ask Chief Organizational Development & Mission Advancement Officer Sherry Carpenter what drives that Goodwill objective, and she’ll proudly say the entire organization is totally committed to their longstanding mission.
“We are entirely focused on providing equitable access and upward mobility for the people we serve, our team members and the communities throughout our 31-county territory,” Sherry explains.
After nearly 100 years in existence, Goodwill boasts 51 store locations and career services through 28 service locations in those 31 counties, all across northwest North Carolina.
Sherry began her path with Goodwill as a career coach for persons with disabilities, followed by advancement into leadership roles including Vice President of Workforce/Mission Services and a Chief Officer role. A graduate of Goodwill’s Executive Leadership Program as well as the 2020 class of Leadership Winston-Salem, Sherry holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Virginia Tech and a master’s degree in organizational psychology from Appalachian State University.
With a nod to March as National Women’s History Month, she reveals what trends are now most prevalent among women in the workforce. “Millions of women left the workforce during the pandemic, especially those with school-aged children. But that has rebounded,” Sherry explains. “Women are still the dominant workforce in healthcare and hospitality, but they’re also pursuing traditionally male fields – which usually pay higher wages – including IT, distribution and logistics, and CDL (truck driving).”
Based on what she observes from Goodwill’s female program participants, Sherry offers these words of wisdom:
- Starting at any age or stage of your career, make an effort to intentionally build your network. High school and college aren’t too soon to start – and your professional network is especially important as you explore entry level jobs.
- Fight the best battles! While we all hope to cure the issues of the world, we can’t fix everything. Focus on the areas within yourself you are truly passionate about.
- Believe in others and support their progress. Sherry says one of the most important comments she hears in the impact stories from Goodwill participants is: “Someone at Goodwill believed in me and thought I could achieve my goals.”
- Look for opportunities, even if you’re not looking for a job. Show others you’re always ready and willing to learn.
- Be authentic. While, as women, we often have to “wear our professionalism well,” we can still show we’re human with feelings and passionate personalities. Realize your unique life experiences are important to the growth of your organization.
Goodwill’s primary mission programs include career services, job skill training and educational attainment, plus specialized programs for veterans, youth and persons with disabilities. Goodwill’s Outreach Scholarship Fund also provides assistance to eligible participants for job skill education classes. Crosby Scholars is an affiliate organization of Goodwill, and they partner with, as well as provide services under, the NCWorks system.
As a mission-based organization, Goodwill leads as a trusted partner in the national Mobility Action Learning Network/Urban Institute to advance the work of local programs to boost upward mobility. Since January of 2024, local organizations collaborating have included the Asset-Building Coalition of Forsyth County, Forsyth County DSS, Forsyth Technical Community College, Piedmont Triad Regional Workforce Development Board and Winston-Salem State University. Many of Goodwill’s training and education programs are in partnership with Forsyth Tech and 11 other community colleges in our region.
“Goodwill’s leadership revolves around removing barriers that inhibit upward economic mobility,” Sherry explains. “Think of these barriers as community wide problems that affect people on an individual level but that individuals can’t fix alone. Transportation and housing issues affect workers across the board. The availability of childcare is also a major barrier to employment in our region. Despite the services that support agencies provide, even if people qualify for government assistance, they often can’t find daycares with openings, due to a provider shortage.”
“People want to support their families and provide a better life for their children,” says Sherry. “When they can’t, it creates enormous stress on the family and often causes disruption when moving to more affordable housing is unavoidable “Most people want to work, and having increased flexibility in schedules and benefits is crucial for local employers to offer.”
Participant Profile – Jelesia Griffin
Jelesia was one of the first students to complete the Distribution & Logistics skills training program, which launched last spring as a partnership between Goodwill, Forsyth Tech and Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina.
Like many justice-involved individuals, Jelesia’s background made it tough to find a job or housing. After being hospitalized and homeless for two months, she was living at the Bethesda Center. There were some housing options, but she couldn’t qualify for them without a job.
Jelesia enrolled in Goodwill’s EDGE program, which provides short term placement at Goodwill Retail Stores to help individuals build their work history. She learned about the Distribution & Logistics training and earned a Goodwill Outreach Scholarship to help pay for training. Her retail supervisor arranged her work schedule around her class time, and Goodwill was also able to assist with Jelesia’s down payment for housing.
An outstanding student and intern, Second Harvest hired Jelesia full time in the warehouse and logistics department, which allowed her to attain reliable housing and put her on the path to financial stability. She is a shining example of how educational institutions and nonprofit agencies can partner to meet the needs of individuals looking for long term, stable employment and financial security.
Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer Ginger Salt echoes the Goodwill motto is simple, but sincere: “The Good We Do is Because of You!”
To learn more about the lifechanging programs of Goodwill Industries of Northwest NC, visit goodwillnwnc.org, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram @goodwillnwnc. Goodwill Industries of Northwest NC is located in Winston-Salem at 2701 University Parkway, 336.724.3621.
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