Success Stories

Solara Sain From Store Associate to Vice President of Retail Operations From 1992 to 1995, the Bosnian War displaced more than 2 million people as they fled to seek safety from the violence - and Solara Sain was one of them. "I was granted the opportunity to move to the U.S. through a Lutheran Church refugee program," shares Sain. "Although I had little work experience, I was determined to find a job that allowed me to earn a living." At the time, Goodwill was opening a new store within walking distance of Sain's apartment, and she was hired as a store associate in January of 1997. Before the war, Sain never imagined she would live in America, so her English was very limited. "When I arrived in the U.S., my English vocabulary consisted of about 200 words, shares Sain. "Every day presented a new challenge to learn something new." Despite this obstacle, Sain persisted. She became a U.S. citizen in 2001, and from 1997 to 2005, Sain was promoted three separate times, eventually earning the title of store manager. But Sain's journey didn't stop there. She continued to participate in training programs and accept any opportunities for growth. From 2008 to 2020, Sain continued to advance in leadership roles at Goodwill across the country, from Oklahoma City to Dallas, Texas. "Today, I am proud to serve as vice president of retail operations at Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga area," says Sain. "Goodwill is much more than a store. More than 85 cents from every dollar generated in stores by the sale of donated items is used to support our mission to help people transform their potential into opportunity through education, training, and employment." Throughout her career progression at Goodwill, Sain was inspired to persevere by her late father, and his influence still guides her journey today. "He never stopped learning, which is why I enrolled in college to pursue his dream of all of his children obtaining a college degree," finishes Sain. "In May of this year, I will graduate with my master's degree." Page 150

Thank you for another year of supporting our mission!

Beginning March 3, we will have extended hours at the Goodwill Attended Donation Centers. Click here to find a location near you!

My Career Advisor My Career Advisor brings all of our career center services together online. It’s the best place to find resume and interview skills assistance, online training, and thousands of local hiring companies, events, and community resources. Access our career services on the go anytime, anywhere—all at no cost!

67th American Advertising Awards We are honored to have received the Spirit of Chattanooga ADDY Award for Public Service Online Film at the 67th American Advertising Awards!  American Advertising Federation, thank you for having us! Watch here:

Alyssa Mingola's Success

Valentine's giveaway! We want to share the love this Valentine's Day so we're giving away TWO $25 gift cards! Details: 1. Tag your valentine in the comments of our Facebook or Instagram post 2. Share the post on your Facebook or Instagram story and tag us @goodwill.chattanooga for an extra entry! 3. Two winners will be randomly selected on Friday, February 14. The winners will each receive a $25 gift card. Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area gift cards can be purchased at any of our store locations. To find a store near you, visit www.goodwillchatt.org/locations.

Christy Gereighty's Success

The Goodwill FUNdamentals class wrapped up with personality assessments and interest inventories. Participants created personalized vision boards, helping them see how they can transform their potential into opportunity!

Markel Daniel's Success Today, Markel Daniel graduated from our Vocational Adjustment/Work Ready program! Markel's peers and supervisors describe him as a hard worker and determined. We are excited about his next steps, congratulations Markel!

Founders Day 2025 Goodwill was founded in 1902 by Rev. Edgar J. Helms. The idea was simple: fight poverty with a hand up, not a handout. Over 100 years later, Goodwill is still committed to doing just that. 💙 Join us in celebrating the birthday of our founder and his commitment to helping people transform potential into opportunity!

Be a part of the good, donate today! 💙 Visit www.goodwillchatt.org/locations to find a donation center near you.

Dell Reconnect x Goodwill 2024 Together, we recycled 159,737 pounds of E-Waste in 2024! (+15% from 2023) By responsibly recycling this material with Dell Reconnect, Goodwill prevents toxic chemicals and non-biodegradable materials from entering the landfill, greatly helping to create a better environment for our community. Dell Reconnect helps to accelerate the open-loop circular economy as materials collected are harvested and recycled into products used in numerous different industries. Thank you for donating to Goodwill and supporting our mission of helping transform potential into opportunity! We couldn't do it without YOU.

MyCareerAdvisor My Career Advisor, powered by Goodwill, brings our career center services together online. It’s the best place to find resume and interview skills assistance, online training, and thousands of local hiring companies and events. Gain access to our career services on the go anytime, anywhere—all at no cost to you! Visit https://www.goodwillchatt.org/my-career-advisor and get started today!

Donate Today At Goodwill, we provide education, training, and employment services to assist individuals with barriers to employment so they can find and keep good jobs. We focus on tapping into every individual’s potential and empowering people to live the lives they want. Your donation can help uplift people right in your community. Give online today by visiting goodwillchatt.org and clicking the green "donate" button in the bottom right of your screen.

Merry Christmas from our Opportunity Campus team!

Addison's Success

Giving Tuesday 2024 This Giving Tuesday, let's make a difference together! Your donations help provide education, training, and employment opportunities for individuals facing barriers to employment. Visit https://www.goodwillchatt.org/donate to find a donation location near you or click the green "donate" button on the bottom right side of your screen to give online. #GivingTuesday #goodwillchatt

Do you love shopping at Goodwill? Enter our Gift of Thrift giveaway! 🎄🎉

We're honored to be featured in Georgia Trend magazine for the exciting work Goodwill is doing in Dalton, Georgia! Visit www.goodwillchatt.org/news to read the article.

In 2023, Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area diverted over 9 million pounds of materials from landfills in Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia. Now that’s a good thing! On November 15, visit one of our 18 donation locations to help reduce waste and keep America beautiful. Thanks to our partners, EPB and Dell Reconnect, our Goodwill Donation Xpress Centers recycled 139,345 pounds of electronics last year. Visit www.goodwillchatt.org/locations to find a donation center near you. Gently used items to donate: clothing, shoes, accessories, books, furniture, appliances, household items, electronics, linens, & sporting equipment.  Be a part of the good, donate today!

Career Readiness and Forklift Training Workshop We were pleased to host the second career readiness and forklift training workshop in partnership with Tennessee Vocational Rehabilitation and Sunbelt Rentals. Congratulations to the participants who graduated with their certifications today!

Presley's Success

Antonio Orr's Success

National Learning and Development Month + Meet Our Learning and Development Team!

Happy Spooky Season!  It's time for a Halloween costume and decor contest at Goodwill! How to enter below 1. Create a Halloween costume or decoration using one or more items from Goodwill. 2. Post a picture of your costume or decoration and tag us on Facebook or Instagram @goodwill.chattanooga or email the photo to info@goodwillchatt.org for a chance to win! The contest will run from 10/1-10/31. 3. A winner from the costume category and a winner from the decor category will receive a $50 gift card. The winners will be announced on 11/1. Visit www.goodwillchatt.org/halloween for more info.