FALL 2026
Mission Moments A Path to Stability: Jackie’s Story When Jackie came to the Waterbury Career Center, she was facing a series of life-changing challenges. After being laid off, experiencing identity theft, and dealing with mounting medical bills, she felt overwhelmed and unsure how to move forward. With personalized support from Goodwill, Jackie received encouragement, a professionally written resume, assistance navigating online job applications, and help building her computer skills. She remained committed to her goals, applying for jobs and participating in workshops to strengthen her job-search skills. Jackie’s hard work paid off when she secured a position as a nursing home aide, helping her regain confidence, stability, and hope for the future. Her story is a powerful reminder that with the right support and determination, new opportunities are possible even in the face of significant challenges.
Uncertainty to Opportunity: Kristine’s Story When Kristine came to the Norwalk Goodwill Career Center at just 17 years old, she was facing immense challenges. After her mother was deported, she was unsure where to turn and struggled to communicate. With encouragement, guidance, and support from Goodwill, Kristine began building confidence and taking steps toward employment. Our team helped her secure her first job, where she quickly demonstrated dedication, determination, and a strong willingness to learn. Today, Kristine is thriving in her role and earning praise from her manager for her reliability and work ethic. Her journey is a powerful reminder that, with the right support and opportunity, individuals can overcome obstacles, achieve independence, and create a brighter future for themselves.
Team Member Engagement Free Tickets to The Star 99.9 Goodwill Trick or Treat Day! Join us Saturday, October 17th, at Sacred Heart University’s Discovery Science Center & Planetarium, 4450 Park Avenue in Bridgeport, for a frightfully fun day of costumes, characters, candy, and family-friendly activities!
https://bit.ly/26trickortreat Registration closes 10/8. While supplies last. Max 6 tickets each per person. This year marks Goodwill’s third year sponsoring this exciting community event. Our sponsorship gives us an opportunity to connect with local families, increase awareness of our mission, and showcase Goodwill as a go-to destination for creative, affordable, and sustainable Halloween shopping. Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year in our stores. Team members will enjoy full access to the Discovery Science Center, along with:
👑 Princess meet-and-greets featuring favorites from KO Parties 🦸 Character appearances from Kid Characters for Parties 🎭 Activities and live performances 🍬 Plenty of candy and Halloween fun
Visit the Goodwill booth and enter our team member DIY costume contest for a chance to win a $250 gift card. Team members must identify themselves and register at the Goodwill booth so we know you are part of the Goodwill family. One winner will be selected. Must attend the event to enter the contest.
We hope to see you there!
Team Member Corner Celebrating Milestones. Honoring Impact We are proud to recognize and celebrate the following team members who have reached significant work anniversary milestones at Goodwill. Their dedication and commitment to our mission make a meaningful difference every day. The following represents milestones in July and August. 20 Years of Service Nana Yaw Aniagyei-Cobbold, ABI Manchester Sr. Residential Specialist Elsa Alta Gracia Perez, Danbury Retail Associate 15 Years of Service Ligia Cano, Norwalk Career Center Coach Hector Navarro-Roman, Monroe Retail Associate 10 Years of Service Tracey Anspach-Streit, Oxford Retail Associate Melissa Belcher, Bloomfield Retail Associate Zachary Couturier, Manchester Retail Associate Brian Czaja, Glastonbury Material Handler Beth Daher, Norwalk Material Handler David Marcelli, Waterbury Store Manager Dennis Marino, Stamford Elm St. Material Handler 5 Years of Service Rozana Antoine, Stamford Elm St. Retail Associate Afiya Oderah Bey, Milford Retail Associate Zhakai Campbell, Danbury Retail Associate Bonnie Cytulik, Enfield Retail Associate Norma Dolmo, Milford Retail Associate Kelly Halpin, Westport Retail Associate Ellen McAuliffe, New Milford Store Manager Andrew McMillan, Monroe Material Handler Michael John Pallas, LP & Compliance District Loss Prevention Investigator Cristian Salas-Perez, Torrington Shift Supervisor Ainsley Elizabeth Snook, Avon Retail Associate Benjamin Stevens, DMHAS Program Coordinator
Help us grow our HS Team and earn up to $500! Know someone who would be a great fit for our Human Services team? Refer them to: Earn $200 after 90 days + $300 after 180 days = $500 per successful referral. Important: To qualify, your referral must list your first and last name on their application. The campaign runs through February 15, 2027, and applies to Human Services positions only. For questions, contact hr@gwct.org
Retail Corner Behind the Scenes: Meet the eBooks Team When donated books, DVDs, CDs, video games, and other media arrive at our stores, their journey isn't over. Many of these items make their way to Goodwill's eBooks department, a centralized processing hub that serves all of our retail locations. The eBooks team carefully examines each item to ensure it is in sellable condition before processing it through our Autoline system. Using current market data, the system helps determine whether an item is best suited for sale in one of our retail stores or through an online marketplace. This thoughtful, data-driven approach allows us to maximize the value of every donation. What may look like a simple used book or DVD can sometimes hold significant value. By identifying the right sales channel for each item, the eBooks team helps ensure that donors' gifts generate the greatest possible return. Their work not only reduces waste but also helps us make the most of every donated item entrusted to Goodwill. The revenue generated through eBooks sales supports Goodwill's mission, funding programs and services that help individuals build skills, find employment, and achieve greater independence. Thanks to the dedication of the eBooks team, every book, game, and piece of media has the potential to create opportunities and change lives throughout Connecticut. Every item tells a story, and the eBooks team helps turn those stories into opportunities for the people we serve. Thank you to our eBooks team for all you do to support Goodwill's mission!
Big Numbers So Far This Year*: People Served
11,313 Employment Placements
570 Team Members
1,003
*January - August 2026