When 56-year-old Denton resident Galen Christianson walked into the Goodwill Job Resource Center, he wasn’t just carrying a resume. He carried the weight of a difficult past that included incarceration and a long battle with addiction. Like many others seeking a new beginning, Galen was ready to rebuild his life but unsure where to start.
What he found at Goodwill was more than job support. He found a team that believed in second chances, personal growth and the power of redemption.
Determined to move forward, Galen enrolled in the Goodwill Works program and was paired with a Job Placement Specialist who saw his potential right away. The team at the Goodwill Job Resource Center helped Galen build a new resume that focused on his future, not his past.
“The friendly staff met me where I was, not where I had been,” Galen shared, describing the compassion and support he received from day one.
Through resume workshops, mock interviews and soft skills training, Galen gained more than professional tools, he found confidence. He began to speak openly about his journey while focusing on what was ahead. With the Goodwill team’s consistent encouragement and guidance, Galen made steady progress.
After weeks of effort and growth, Galen secured a job at Goodwill’s Denton Retail Store. The role gave him more than income. It brought purpose, stability and pride. He credits his store manager for inspiring him with her strong leadership and care for her team.
Today, Galen is thriving. He is a valued team member, living in a transitional housing program and pursuing personal development through a local discipleship training school. He now refers others to the Job Resource Center, encouraging them to take the same first step.
As Galen says,
“Goodwill didn’t give me a handout. They gave me a hand up. They didn’t just help me get a job. They helped me believe in myself again.”