Abuzz with activity, the Goodwill store on Overlea Blvd. is an ideal place to shop, and to work. This community hub is home to a close-knit family of employees, many of whom have worked there for years, others who are just embarking on their careers.

Michelle Mitchell is a bright-eyed 20-year-old with a wide smile and a great attitude. As Assistant Manager Trainee, she seems comfortable and happy, chatting with customers and operating the computerized cash register. Yet, only six months before, Michelle had been painfully shy, with little education and no previous work experience.

“It’s so hard to find a job when you don’t have experience or education skills,” says Mitchell. “And when I heard that this program would help me find a job, I didn’t think it was possible,” says Mitchell. “But they did and I’m very grateful for it.”

Referred to Goodwill through a Malvern Youth program, Michelle is a Transitional Employee with Goodwill REACH™ (Real Employment to Achieve Community Health), Goodwill’s on-the-job, paid training initiative for young people from disadvantaged communities. Goodwill is a registered charity whose mission is to provide work opportunities to people facing employment barriers.

Mitchell spends most of her work day on cash, and her favourite thing about working at Goodwill is meeting the customers. “I wasn’t a very open person before,” says Mitchell, “after meeting so many customers, I even say hi to people on the street.”

Michelle’s sister was also recently referred to Goodwill by her own youth counsellor and started working in another Goodwill store a couple of weeks ago.

“My mom is so proud, she tells everyone about our jobs at Goodwill. And, she keeps popping in to shop.”

At the conclusion of her one-year Transitional Employment, Mitchell plans to continue with her education and aspires to work in upper management at Goodwill, or another organization that assists people in the future.