Empowering Veterans: Goodwill Southeast Georgia's Commitment to Support and Success
May is National Military Appreciation Month. At Goodwill Southeast Georgia, not only do we thank veterans for their service and the sacrifices they make to protect our country, we also offer resources and wrap-around support to welcome them back into civilian life. We have veterans on our team from our Opportunity Centers, to our G-Force Manufacturing program, and our retail stores. Andrea Cannady, an eBooks clerk at Hinesville store, recently shared her story as part of the nationwide Goodwill New Lives campaign.
Andrea served in the U.S. Air Force as an Education and Training Manager. She medically retired due to a service-connected burn injury. Following her retirement, Andrea had trouble finding sustainable employment. Her injuries affected her stamina and tolerance for many full-time positions. Andrea was referred to Goodwill Southeast Georgia where the Vocational Services team helped her get the disability benefits she needed to move forward.
During the pandemic, Andrea paid it forward by providing the same care and support she had received to fellow Goodwill Associates and program participants. She helped locate educational resources for Associates teaching their children at home. Andrea also found food banks and food kitchens in areas where there weren’t any organized assistance programs, and shared this information with other Associates.
Andrea’s passion for serving others is clear in all that she does. She is currently employed with Goodwill Southeast Georgia part-time in the eBooks department and cares for rescue horses through her Second Chances Equine Rescue organization.
The New Lives campaign features four other Goodwill Southeast Georgia Associates and program participants, shares what they have overcome, and how donations from the public have played a vital role in their self-empowerment. Make sure to look for their stories in the coming months.
How Your Donation Helps Your Neighbors
When you donate new and gently used items, such as a purse, you help someone like Andrea find a job.
Sales of items fund employment training and job placement services for people in your community.