When Sarah walked into the Goodwill Outlet on Washington Street in 2019 to apply for a job, she was carrying the weight of her past, the uncertainty of recovery and the urgency of starting over. Newly sober, navigating the impact of criminal history, and living in transitional housing after completing a rehabilitation program, she knew finding employment wouldn’t be easy. She also knew it was necessary. What Sarah couldn’t have known that day was just how deeply that decision would change her life.
Her first role wasn’t glamorous. She worked behind the scenes doing housekeeping in the warehouse: quiet, steady work that helped keep the operation moving. Grateful for the opportunity, Sarah showed up every day ready to learn. Before long, she moved to the sales floor, where she found joy in being part of the team but still felt a pull to do more. That curiosity and work ethic led her to the loading dock on the warehouse side of the store.
There, Sarah discovered a whole new world. She learned how bulk items are sorted for recycling or resale, how weight, space, and measurements determine what can fit on a truck and how Goodwill works behind the scenes to keep usable items out of landfills. She took pride in understanding the logistics and even more pride in being part of Goodwill’s sustainability and recycling efforts.
Sarah also became a strong believer in Goodwill New Beginnings, a program which supports individuals impacted by the criminal justice system as they reenter the workforce. Having walked that path herself, she saw firsthand how extra layers of support can help coworkers overcome stigma, rebuild confidence and believe in themselves again.
After about a year working on the loading dock, Sarah’s manager, Lakeysha Hamilton, saw something in her that Sarah wasn’t yet sure she saw in herself. Lakeysha encouraged her to apply for a department lead role. Though she didn’t feel ready, Sarah leaned into a belief she now lives by: “You’ve got to do what you’re afraid of.” She applied for and earned the promotion. Lakeysha continued to mentor her, gradually introducing administrative responsibilities and preparing her for the next step.
Today, Sarah is the manager of the Goodwill Outlet Store on Franklin Road. She is celebrating more than six years of sobriety and proudly says she is “recovering loudly so others don’t die quietly.” She plans to stay with Goodwill for many years, using her life experience to offer strength and hope to others walking similar paths.
“My heart is happy,” Sarah says. Her journey is a powerful reminder that second chances, when met with support and belief, can become lasting success stories.
If you’re ready to start your journey with Goodwill, explore job openings by visiting https://www.goodwillindy.org/careers/
If you’d like to apply for Goodwill New Beginnings, contact us at 317.524.3956 or newbeginnings@goodwillindy.org.