Melanie's Goodwill Houston Success Story

For years, Melanie worked in the healthcare industry as a medical assistant. It was a career that she loved. Fourteen years ago, that career path changed when she developed a drug addiction. It was a life changing moment for Melanie. As a result, she became incarcerated and lost both her medical license and custody of her three children. 

After receiving probation, she was sent to a transitional shelter in Downtown Houston for women who completed their alcohol/drug detoxification program. One day a representative from Goodwill Houston paid a visit to the location with information about the organization. 

Melanie learned the Goodwill was hiring for a new location off Sabo Road. She felt it was a much-welcomed opportunity to start all over again. After putting in her application, she was soon hired as a cashier. She has been promoted multiple times during her career at Goodwill and is now the store manager at the busy City Centre location. 

Melanie feels she is proof that there truly are second chances. She credits Goodwill with giving her a career and teaching her to be self-sufficient—with a purpose.

“Despite my background,” she said, “they gave me a chance when no one else would.”