Meet Shay Gipson

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shay Gipson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shay below.

Shay, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
From the beginning, Goodwill’s mission has promoted job creation for the disenfranchised. Founded by Methodist Minister Edgar J. Helms in 1902, Goodwill gave people with disabilities and other social barriers the opportunity to find meaningful work. Goodwill allowed the disadvantaged to earn a wage by repairing and repurposing discarded household items and then selling them back to the community at affordable prices.

Following that model, Goodwill North Central Texas was founded in 1949 as the 100th Goodwill Agency. By giving underserved people in Tarrant County and surrounding areas the job training they need to achieve maximum independence, Goodwill is a hand up, not a hand out.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Goodwill is more than a thrift store. The largest employer of people with disabilities in the world, Goodwill believes that work has the power to transform lives by building self-confidence, independence, creativity, trust and friendships. Everyone deserves this chance.

Goodwill North Central Texas is based in Fort Worth and serves 18 counties in the region. The nonprofit’s 27 area retail locations provide revenue through the sale of donated goods to support Goodwill’s mission to CREATE lives of independence and BUILD a stronger local community. Job training and career services programs for people with disabilities, such as physical or mental disabilities and other barriers to employment including lack of education or work experience and homelessness are guided by the organization’s vision of a North Central Texas where everyone person has the opportunity for maximum independence and abundant living.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
In Goodwill North Central Texas’ journey to empower individuals with barriers to employment, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have proven to be particularly impactful:

Empathy and Compassion: Goodwill North Central Texas’ ability to connect with and serve its clients and communities effectively is greatly enhanced by its staff’s empathy and compassion. These qualities create a supportive and inclusive environment for individuals facing various employment barriers. To develop these qualities, actively engage with diverse groups, volunteer in your community, listen to others’ stories, and seek to understand different perspectives. Reading and learning about the experiences of others can also help foster empathy and compassion.

Adaptability and Innovation: Goodwill NCT’s journey has been marked by its adaptability to changing times and evolving needs. The organization’s incorporation of technology, expansion into online sales, and development of innovative workforce development approaches have been key to its success. To cultivate adaptability and innovation, embrace change as an opportunity for growth, remain open to new ideas and technologies, and encourage creative problem-solving. Surround yourself with diverse thinkers, and seek feedback.

Community Engagement and Collaboration: Goodwill NCT’s achievements are closely tied to its ability to engage with the community and collaborate effectively with other organizations, businesses, and agencies. These partnerships significantly enhance the organization’s reach and impact. To develop community engagement and collaboration skills, actively seek opportunities to connect with individuals and organizations that share similar goals. Attend networking events, join community groups, and participate in collaborative initiatives.

How would you describe your ideal client?
Goodwill North Central Texas serves at-risk youth (16-24) and adults 25+who have dropped out of high school by providing a chance to earn their GED and a paycheck at the same time.

Life’s twists and turns can present formidable challenges, causing individuals to step off the traditional educational path. Whether it’s unexpected life events, personal circumstances, or simply taking a different route, the reasons for leaving high school are as diverse as the people themselves. Goodwill’s programs offer a welcoming space for individuals to rewrite their educational journey. We embrace every story and provide the tools and support needed to turn new pages towards a brighter future.

Goodwill invites learners of all ages to go back to school to earn their GED. Goodwill NCT has partnered with Tarrant County’s Adult Education and Literacy Consortium to offer two programs for students who are out of school and facing barriers to earning their GED. E2 targets at-risk youth and young adults aged 16-24 and includes a paid work component funded by Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County. This approach enables participants to enhance their education in a classroom setting, while acquiring real-world skills and income while breaking down barriers for those who may have left traditional high school to earn money for their families.

Too often, the pursuit of education and the responsibility of providing for one’s family become competing priorities, Our goal is to bridge the gap between dreams and responsibilities, ensuring that no one has to choose between their family’s well-being and their own future.

A2 offers adults 25 and older the opportunity to finish their degree. Participants also have the option to engage in a paid work experience program that runs concurrently with GED preparation, helping them earn income while advancing their education. A2 students who need additional flexibility have the option to complete their coursework virtually while still receiving one-on-one mentorship through the program.

Participants in both programs receive GED preparation courses taught by state-certified instructors which cover key subjects and provide a solid foundation for the GED exams, as well as life and job readiness courses that equip them with essential skills for personal and professional success. Individualized mentoring and coaching help participants navigate challenges, set goals, and make informed decisions about their education and career paths. All graduates are then transitioned to Goodwill’s job placement services team to either find a career or enter post-secondary education.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Justan Martinez

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