Goodwill is all about second chances, and Brandy took that second chance with Goodwill and changed her whole life for the better. Brandy was incarcerated from August at the Knox County Detention Facility – when she met Mandi Pethtel, Goodwill’s Job Development and Employment Specialist, who visits the Detention Facility and discusses programs available at Goodwill and how people may seek access to them. Brandy learned how Mandi could help her while she was still incarcerated and what was available when she was released. Through these meetings, Brandy decided that she wanted to change the path for herself and for her daughter, Willow.
At the end of August, Brandy was released and immediately called Mandi to enroll in the Good Prospects program. The program helps parents build the tools and support they needed to pursue stability and self-sufficiency, whether that meant finding steady employment, securing housing, or continuing their education. Within a few short weeks, she started her work experience at a Goodwill store. Over the course of the required 200 hours, Brandy worked exceptionally hard at work and in her personal life. She jumped on every referral and built herself a team of supporters.
At the end of November, Brandy relapsed but with encouragement from her daughter, her co-workers and Mandi, she was able to restart her path. Brandy said, “I definitely needed that relapse. I always thought that part was BS, but no, you need it. I was able to be like, no, that isn’t for me anymore.” Brandy wanted to continue to learn and grow her skills, she even enrolled in Coursera, Goodwill’s free educational courses. When asked what were the top three things that she learned while going through Good Prospects, she said “how to love myself, how to repair relationships, and that I can do it.”
After Brandy finished and graduated from Work Experience, she wasn’t ready to move on from Goodwill just yet. There was a position open for Sales Associate at the Hardin Valley store, Brandy applied and was hired. Brandy now had a secure, full-time, job and continued to work on her goals. In March of 2025, an Assistant Store Manager position became available and Brandy’s co-workers, store manager, and Mandi, all encouraged her to apply for the position. Mandi and Brandy worked together to prepare for the interview. In early April, Brandy was promoted to Assistant Store Manager.
Since being promoted to Assistant Store Manager, Brandy has been thriving in her position, both with work and her relationships with her family and co-workers.
“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Mandi. I don’t feel like I would have taken those steps and tried for that position. I wouldn’t have done it.”
Brandy said. “I’m very happy here.”