From Displacement to Destination: Noah Lands a Career with Goodwill’s Help
Noah has always been a dedicated worker and a devoted family member. After high school in Tennessee, he built a steady work history in manufacturing and corrections. When his grandparents became ill, he made the difficult decision to leave his job to become their full-time caregiver—a role he filled with compassion for two years.
After their passing, Noah sought a new beginning in Venice, Florida. He found part-time work, but his stability was shattered when Hurricane Milton damaged his housing, leaving him without a home or a job. It was a low point, but Noah took a proactive step and reached out to the Sarasota Homeless Outreach Team.
That outreach set a new path in motion. After being connected with housing through Second Heart Homes, his case manager referred him to Goodwill Manasota in August 2025. There, he met Career Development Specialist Tom.
The Goodwill Turning Point
With Tom’s guidance, Noah accessed key resources designed to break down barriers to employment. He received a voucher for professional interview attire, worked one-on-one to refine his resume, and focused his job search. Most importantly, he gained a partner in the process.
“Tom was there every step of the way, helping me prepare and stay confident,” Noah shares.
When Tom connected him with an opportunity at the Sarasota-Bradenton Airport, Noah was ready. He interviewed for a Baggage Handler position and succeeded, embarking on the thorough onboarding process with determination.
Building a Foundation for the Future
Today, Noah is proudly employed at the airport, learning the intricacies of the aviation industry. The job provides not just an income, but a renewed sense of purpose and structure. With this foundation, he’s achieving personal milestones, like earning his Florida Driver’s License. He and Tom are now working on a plan for his next goal: securing his own transportation.
Noah’s journey underscores how critical a stable job is to rebuilding one’s life. Through partnership, practical resources, and persistent support, Goodwill helped Noah move from crisis to career.
“Goodwill gave me the tools and the confidence I needed exactly when I needed them,” says Noah. “I’m grateful for their mission and for helping me get back on track.”
We are honored to support Noah and many others like him. His story is a powerful reminder of the resilience within our community and the transformative power of work.
