At Goodwill Central Coast, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive. Through job training, employment placement services, and supportive programs, we help individuals build pathways to personal and professional independence. Every success story is a powerful reminder of the impact that we can make — together.
It’s especially gratifying to reflect on Goodwill’s founder Dr. Edgar J. Helms, who spent his life trying to create opportunities for all. His dream was to eliminate barriers to employment and help people in need reach their fullest potential through the power of work.
Dr. Helms’ vision has sparked a movement that has led to a $2.4 billion dollar nonprofit enterprise and the world’s largest private-sector employer of people with disabilities and challenges to employment.
At GCC, we served more than 23,000 people in 2024 — a 34 percent increase from the previous year. Among the 152 Goodwills worldwide, we ranked No. 6 in donations per household and No. 4 in sales per household — a testament to the strength and generosity of our community.
Real lives, real impact
At Goodwill Central Coast, we envision a world full of economic opportunities where people have the power of personal growth, can support themselves and their families, live in safe and thriving communities, and actively care for the environment.
Here are just a few inspiring journeys of transformation from people who turned challenges into opportunities with the support of Goodwill:
- A grandmother’s love and strength: As the sole caretaker of her five grandchildren, Rosa was struggling to financially support her family even though she was already working a steady job. Wanting to provide financial stability for her grandchildren and still have time to spend together as a family, she sought a new job and career path at Goodwill. Her new role gave her the much-needed opportunity to better provide for her family, with the flexibility to still nurture her grandchildren.
- Balancing motherhood with a career: Syeda was overwhelmed juggling her roles as a full-time student, single mom, and part-time worker. Balancing her busy schedule and family needs was tough, leading her to leave school to work more. She turned to Goodwill for training in soft skills and career guidance. Now, she’s excelling at a financial planning company, finding her career path and independence.
- A veteran’s journey through hardship: Kenneth faced tough times with addiction and homelessness after his military service. He found help at Goodwill, where he learned job skills, received technical training, and found real work experience. These new skills helped Kenneth get his dream job, and his co-workers see him as a true professional.
- From adversity to employment at Goodwill: Michael faced challenges in school because of his ADHD and unstable housing. When his father found a flyer about job training, they both reached out to Goodwill. They received the support they needed, with professional skills training for Michael and housing help for his father. Now, Michael works full-time at a Goodwill outlet store and he envisions a brighter future.
Building bridges to brighter futures
Each of these stories reflects the heart of our mission: empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential. Whether it’s someone reentering the workforce, starting over after hardship, or seeking their very first opportunity, Goodwill Central Coast is there — every step of the way.
Our programs don’t just create jobs — they build confidence, independence, and lasting change.
How you can help
When you shop or donate at Goodwill Central Coast, you’re not just supporting a store. You’re supporting people, potential, and possibility. Together, we’re creating more pathways to independence — for everyday people across three counties.
Learn more about our mission, programs, and how to get involved at ccgoodwill.org.
