GOOD WORKS
Made possible by you. GOODWILL OF MIDDLE
TENNESSEE | SPRING 2025
“I was caught in the cycle of incarceration and homelessness, which is impossible to get out of without the support and resources, like what Goodwill offers.”
Man Overcomes Barriers, Lands Job After Completing Goodwill Training
In April 2023, Narayan Rabindranath walked into the Goodwill Career Solutions Center in Clarksville with just the clothes on his back and a glimmer of hope. The Nashville native had no job, car, home, or belongings.
For five years, he lived on the streets of downtown Nashville, setting up tents in parking lots and alleys. “I was the menace behind Planet Fitness,” Rabindranath told NewsChannel 5. “I lived right next to the NewsChannel 5 parking lot. All these places were meant as refuge.” His struggles stemmed from a felony conviction that made finding work nearly impossible.
“I was caught in the cycle of incarceration and homelessness, which is impossible to get out of without support and resources, like
what Goodwill offers,” he said. Determined to rebuild, he met with a Goodwill career coach and enrolled in the Google IT Support Professional Certificate program in May 2023. The free course, part of Goodwill’s digital skills training, equips job-seekers with technical skills for today’s job market.
The program combines online instruction with in-person labs and includes job placement support. Rabindranath completed the training on time and went on to earn a second certificate in Google Project Management in early 2024.
A month later, he landed a job with Persevere, an organization that helps justice-involved individuals with job training. Now, he teaches project management and helps others build a fresh start.
He also serves as director of Covenant House, a men’s transitional home connected to The Way Church in Clarksville, and teaches at the Clarksville School of Fine Arts. Goodwill also provided him with a Dell laptop to support his learning and job search.
Now living in transitional housing, Rabindranath is saving to buy a home. He credits his success to “willingness, being open-minded and action” and hopes his story inspires others.
“I’d like to thank Goodwill for being a place that offers services to anyone who walks through the door and hires people who genuinely care,” he said.
See Narayan’s video on NewsChannel 5
DONOR SPOTLIGHT: Jeff Young, Goodwill Board Chair
Jeff Young, senior vice president at FirstBank, is chairman of the 25-member local Board of Directors for Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee. A Nashville resident, Jeff has two sons.
Q: What inspired you to become involved with Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee, and what motivates you to continue supporting its mission?
A: Early in my career, I toured Goodwill’s warehouse, where I met dedicated employees, including individuals with disabilities and those with past criminal records. The commitment shown to their work was truly inspiring and reinforced for me the profound impact that employment has on a person’s well-being. Now, after serving on the board for several years, I am more convinced than ever that the power of work not only transforms individual lives but also strengthens families and entire communities.
Q: Can you share a memorable experience or success story from your time as Chairman that highlights the positive impact Goodwill has had on the community?
A: One of my most memorable experiences was meeting Anthony Fanning. After serving time for drug-related charges, Anthony faced numerous challenges to employment. His turning point came
when he enrolled in Goodwill’s Construction Training Program. Not only did he gain valuable skills that made him a strong candidate for local employers, but he took it a step further — he started his own business and became an entrepreneur. Anthony’s determination, optimism and resilience continue to stand out as a powerful example of how Goodwill empowers individuals to overcome obstacles and build brighter futures.
Q: What are your hopes and goals for the future of Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee, and how can donors play a role in achieving them?
A: My hope for the future is that Goodwill continues to expand its reach and impact, providing even more individuals with the opportunity to gain meaningful employment and achieve self-sufficiency. This all starts with a strong donor base that recognizes the vital role they play in Goodwill’s mission.
BRIGHT FUTURES: Celebrating Goodwill’s Latest Solar Installer Graduates
Thanks to your support, Goodwill celebrated the graduation of its second Solar Installer training cohort of 2024 on March 21 at our new Opportunity Campus in Nashville. This hands-on program equips students with in-demand skills and industry credentials for careers in solar energy.
Four graduates completed the intensive training, bringing our total number of graduates to 52. One of the new grads is already employed, and two are in interviews. Your generosity helps power new opportunities through education, training and employment.
First Impressions: Excitement, Inspiration and Gratitude
As I wrap up my first five weeks as Vice President of Development at Goodwill, I’m filled with excitement and deep gratitude. It has been a busy, inspiring start — and I’m already seeing firsthand how powerfully this organization transforms lives through the dignity and opportunity of work.
Growing up in Nashville, my family were regular donors to Goodwill, and a close family friend’s daughter — who has an intellectual disability — worked with Goodwill for over two decades. I thought I understood what Goodwill was all about. But being on staff has opened my eyes to the full breadth of the mission.
From job training and educational programs to long-term career support, the impact is far greater than I ever imagined.
I’ve also been moved by the strong sense of teamwork that defines our culture. In March, I had the privilege of attending a 20-year work anniversary celebration at our Columbia store. Our leadership team showed up in full force to honor this milestone — and the room was bursting with joy and pride. It was a beautiful reminder that our people are at the heart of everything we do. In this new role, I’m excited to share with the community how your generous financial support fuels real change — opening doors to brighter
futures for so many. Whether we’ve worked together before or we’ve yet to meet, I look forward to connecting with you and sharing more about what lies ahead.
And yes — my husband has already informed me that I’m officially in charge of all our Goodwill donation drop-offs from now on!
With gratitude,
PAIGE BAINBRIDGE Vice President of Development paige.bainbridge@givegw.org
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