Good Works - Spring 2026

GOOD WORKS Made possible by you.

GOODWILL MIDDLE TENNESSEE | SPRING 2026

Opportunity Changes Everything After more than 20 years of physically demanding work, John reached a breaking point — ­ and a crossroads.

n a c t “Wha rt ?” it hu Opportunity changes everything— and sometimes, it begins with a single step. After more than 20 years of physically demanding factory work, John Lawien’s body could no longer keep up with the strain.

He transitioned into corrections, but the stress was relentless, and when he tried to move into a new role, he faced the painful reality of age discrimination.

Despite his experience and work ethic, doors kept closing. Searching for stability, purpose, and fair pay, John found himself at a crossroads until he walked into Goodwill Career Solutions and asked, “What can it hurt?”

Because of donor support, John didn’t have to face that moment

alone. He met Career Navigator Doug Walton, who understood his journey and saw his potential. This was more than job assistance.

It was partnership. Doug helped John rebuild his resume, sharpen his interview skills, and regain his confidence. When opportunities didn’t pan out, Doug stayed by his side, offering guidance and encouragement every step of the

“

Doug is really a coach... someone who can help guide you, help move you forward.

- JOHN LAWIEN

way. For John, it wasn’t just about finding a job. It was about being seen, supported, and believed in again.

Today, John is thriving in a full-time security role at a local parks and recreation center.

He has stability, renewed purpose, and the confidence that comes from knowing someone stood in his corner. His story is a powerful reminder that when donors invest in people, they restore more than employment—they restore hope.

And for individuals like John, that support can mean everything.

Scan the QR code to read John’s full story and see how Goodwill helps people build brighter futures.

DONOR SPOTLIGHT: Creating Lasting Opportunity

Jane Corcoran’s commitment to Goodwill is rooted in both personal connection and deep belief in our mission. A proud member of the Cammack Society, Jane was first inspired to get involved through her support of the late Bill Cammack, a longtime Goodwill board member whose leadership and community spirit left a lasting legacy.

She was also influenced by Beth Alexander, then Vice President of Development, whose passion for the organization made a meaningful impression.

“I became involved in Goodwill through my support of Bill Cammack, who was a wonderful community leader, and

Beth Alexander, who served as VP of Development at the time,” Jane shares.

“I’m grateful to continue my support because I truly believe the work Goodwill does is good work.”

Through her generosity to the Cammack Society, Jane helps ensure Goodwill’s training, education, and employment programs remain free and accessible to individuals on their path to productivity. We are deeply grateful for her continued support.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: Guiding Opportunity Forward Career Navigators, like Misty, empower “It’s an honor to work participants to build brighter futures by helping them develop strong job skills, find with such a meaningful meaningful employment, pursue education organization. At Goodwill, I or training, and achieve lasting financial stability. They walk alongside clients— don’t just have a job—I get to connecting them to resources, guiding them through challenges, and celebrating be a part of changing lives.” every step toward self-sufficiency.

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: Growing Opportunity Expanding Access to Healthcare Careers As we look ahead, stories like John’s are just the beginning. We are continuing to grow opportunities so more individuals can take that first step toward a new future.

This fall, Goodwill Middle Tennessee will launch a new Patient Care Technician (PCT) Training Program at its Opportunity Campus in Nashville.

Program highlights include: • A fast-paced, four-week training program • Hands-on clinical experience, including: • Vital signs monitoring • Infection control • Essential patient care skills • Career coaching and job placement support Designed to expand access to nursing pathways, this program helps individuals start meaningful healthcare careers while also addressing critical workforce needs across Middle Tennessee.

JUST A THOUGHT: Ordinary Ways And then something shifts.

Confidence starts to return. A new skill is learned. An interview goes a little better than the last. And slowly, what once felt out of reach begins to feel possible again.

There’s something I’ve been thinking about lately.

It’s how often change begins in very ordinary ways.

Not with a big announcement or a perfect plan—but with something small. A conversation. A moment of encouragement. A decision to walk through a door you’ve passed a dozen times before.

We see that every day here.

We meet people who are doing their best to keep going—through job loss, setbacks, uncertainty. People who don’t need a handout, but a hand up. Someone to sit beside them, believe in them, and help them take the next step.

Opportunity changes everything.

But what makes that opportunity real isn’t just our programs or our buildings—it’s people. It’s the donors, the supporters, the quiet champions who choose to be part of someone else’s story.

You may never meet the person whose life you’ve impacted. You may never know their name. But your generosity shows up in very real ways—in a resume, in a training program, in a second chance.

And often, that’s all it takes to change a life’s direction.

And it’s something you’re part of every single day - thank you for being part of this work.

PAIGE BAINBRIDGE

Vice President of Development paige.bainbridge@givegw.org

EVERY STORY IS PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER. HERE’S A LOOK AT WHO WE SERVE ACROSS MIDDLE TENNESSEE:

96%

LOW–MODERATE INCOME

24.5% HAVE A

10.5% WITHOUT A

DISABILITY

DIPLOMA

6.35% PREVIOUSLY

JUSTICE-INVOLVED

The Next Story Starts With You. Every day, individuals take a first step toward a brighter future—and your support helps make that possible.

Whether this is your first gift or one of many, you can be part of what comes next.

SCAN TO BE PART OF WHAT COMES NEXT.

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE

937 Herman St. Nashville, TN 37208 giveit2goodwill.org

PAID

NASHVILLE, TN PERMIT NO. 1093

2026

SAVE THE DATE! MONDAY, OCTOBER 26 AT MUSIC CITY CENTER We’re proud to announce Elizabeth Papel and Jamie Capps as our 2026 Impact Awards Co-Chairs, bringing their leadership and passion to this year’s celebration.

LEARN MORE

giveit2goodwill.org/ impactawards

Follow us on Social Media facebook.com/ giveit2goodwill

x.com/ giveit2goodwill

instagram.com/ giveit2goodwill

linkedin.com/ company/522752

tiktok.com/@ giveit2goodwill