Editor’s note: The San Antonio Report is proud to feature the weekly bigcitysmalltown podcast hosted by Robert Rivard, the founder of the Report. Each Tuesday, we will be providing a concise summary of the latest podcast episode.
While many Americans recognize Goodwill primarily as a retail destination for second-hand clothing and household items, few are aware of the organization’s pivotal role in workforce development and its efforts to combat generational poverty across the nation. With over 161 affiliates throughout the United States, Goodwill is dedicated to empowering individuals through various programs and services that promote self-sufficiency and employment opportunities.
In San Antonio, Goodwill provides essential resources such as youth programs and digital skills training, acting as a significant second-chance employer for individuals with criminal records. Additionally, Goodwill collaborates with local military installations to offer tailored programs. The organization operates several academies annually, successfully preparing 300 to 400 graduates for careers in high-demand fields such as healthcare and commercial driving.
According to President and CEO Carlos Contreras, who previously served as an assistant mayor in San Antonio, there are ambitious plans to more than double the number of graduates in the coming years. During his conversation with bigcitysmalltown podcast host Robert Rivard, Contreras shared insights into the organization’s vision and the impact it aims to achieve.
A key factor contributing to the success of Goodwill graduates lies in the comprehensive support services provided, including assistance with housing, food, transportation, and other essential needs. This holistic approach fosters resilience, as Contreras emphasizes the importance of perseverance in each individual’s journey. “Every person has their unique story and background,” he noted, “but the support they receive during their training equips them to be job-ready upon graduation.”
In the podcast, Contreras delves into the rich history of Goodwill, an organization founded by a minister in Boston, as well as his own career trajectory. He highlights the broader mission of the nonprofit, which focuses on elevating the working poor into a state of economic stability and self-reliance.
Don’t miss Episode 38 of the bigcitysmalltown podcast, featuring an insightful discussion with Goodwill San Antonio CEO Carlos Contreras. You can listen to the episode on our website or through the link provided below.
!function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)
{if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod?
n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};
if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version=’2.0′;
n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;
t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];
s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, document,’script’,
‘https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js’);
fbq(‘init’, ‘291084294724606’);
fbq(‘track’, ‘PageView’, {“page_title”:”Listen: Why Goodwill is far more than a secondhand store”,”user_role”:”guest”,”event_url”:”https://sanantonioreport.org/goodwill-bigcitysmalltown-podcast-rivard”,”post_type”:”post”,”post_id”:5354751});
