Brittany came to Goodwill NCW after her previous employer closed down, leaving her struggling to find a new job that was the right fit. She faced several barriers to employment, including depression and extreme shyness, making it especially important to find a workplace where she felt understood and supported.

“Depression kept me from being able to be out in the community,” Brittany said. “It kept me in bed most of the time, I didn’t want to do anything, I didn’t want to shower, eat, or do basic things, and now I have something to look forward to every day in coming to work for Goodwill. To be around people, to be in a supportive environment, it’s been really helpful.”

Mission Team Leader Matt, who played a key role in connecting Brittany with Goodwill, noted that she had significant opportunities for growth when she started. “Brittany’s opportunities for growth really came down to managing her own mental health struggles along with building skills – so things like customer service skills and interacting with customers, and then just getting to work…building that work/school balance and supporting herself.”

Theresa, Store Team Leader at the Onalaska Goodwill Store, recalled first noticing how shy and reserved Brittany was, but also how eager she was to learn and grow.

Brittany agrees. “I first started off very shy and insecure about approaching people and dealing with customers, but I’ve gotten to know some customers on a personal basis, and I have good relationship with my coworkers, and I really like working here.”

Both Matt and Theresa have witnessed remarkable progress in Brittany’s time at Goodwill. “I’ve seen Brittany grow and develop in a lot of ways, but I think especially with her customer service skills,” Matt asserts. “I think she’s grown as a person to where she’s balanced her life in a more meaningful way, and I think the skills that she’s built really come down to especially that customer service piece. She has this innate ability to really interact with people in a meaningful way, and I think she speaks to our mission in a way that is pretty cool for our customers to hear about.” Theresa adds “I’ve really seen Brittany transform her life by overcoming her shyness. She’s been able to come out of her shell and have financial stability as well.”

Beyond skill-building, Brittany’s work at Goodwill has led to tangible, life-changing results. She’s paid down her car loan, furnished her apartment, and is nearly independent from SSI—a personal goal she’s worked hard to achieve.

Looking ahead, Brittany hopes to continue growing with Goodwill, both personally and professionally. “I want Goodwill to become my home, long term,” she says. “I think Goodwill is the perfect opportunity for those who are willing to change and want to grow as individuals. I would recommend Goodwill to anyone who really wants to better their life because it’s done tremendous things for me.”