Fair Chance Hiring - A Goodwill Goal For All Employers

Amidst the bustling environment of Goodwill’s Western Ave location in Oklahoma City, store manager Britney Pascoe is gloving up. A truck with donation wares just arrived, which means all hands on deck for her team of 20 employees. Each ware or item represents an opportunity to transform lives, so Britney knows time is of the essence.

Britney’s own journey from the shop floor to leadership is a testament to the extraordinary power of fair chances and the transformative impact of Goodwill’s mission to help people overcome challenges to employment – in whichever forms they come.

Overcoming Adversity

Her childhood, though Britney describes it as “good,” took a turn when she fell into the wrong crowd, leading to a life of parties and ultimately a battle with substance use. The consequences were severe, resulting in the loss of access to her children and a criminal background as a convicted felon.

In 2019, Britney took a courageous step towards recovery, entering rehab and achieving a year of sobriety. During this time, she joined Goodwill as a store associate, but the challenges proved overwhelming, and she relapsed, temporarily stepping away from the organization.

A New Beginning for Britney

In 2020, after working in a hotel and realizing the toll it took on her family life, Britney received a lifeline – a call from a Goodwill store manager about an open position as a shift lead. Returning to Goodwill, she seized every opportunity, attending numerous trainings and leadership programs, and making use of the resources provided through Goodwill’s employee assistance program, called Begin At Home. Her dedication paid off as she swiftly climbed the ranks, from shift lead to assistant store manager, all the way to her recent promotion to store manager.

Paying it Forward

Britney credits Goodwill for helping her rebuild her life, stating that the organization gave her a chance “when no one else would.” Through her promotions, she managed to pay off court fees and secure a larger house in the hopes of sharing it with her family. With a court date on the horizon, she is determined to win back custody of her children, fueled by the support and opportunities she found at Goodwill.

Today, Britney guides others on the path to sobriety. She also hopes to imprint the same transformative effects of commitment on her team members. “Britney is a great example of what you can create for yourself within Goodwill,” said Senior Trainer Kathryn Roper, who has watched her growth throughout many leadership training sessions.

Britney also believes there are many more people like her out there who just need to be given a chance. “A lot of people, like me, have changed their ways and just need that chance.”

A Call for Fair Chances

Britney Pascoe’s story is one of many great testimonials to the transformative impact of organizations like Goodwill, offering individuals a fair chance at redemption, growth, and a brighter future. Her journey embodies the spirit of resilience and hope that defines the #PowerOfWork. Purchases and donations at local stores support Goodwill Central Oklahoma’s fair-chance hiring efforts to help more people like Britney on a path to stability and success.

This story and video were developed in partnership with the Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Advocacy Council, a coalition working toward a more fair & effective justice system for Oklahoma County.

About Goodwill Central Oklahoma

Goodwill Central Oklahoma is a community-based, nonprofit agency serving 37 Oklahoma counties with 25 retail stores and 17 attended donation centers, one outlet store, and a Job Connection Center. Goodwill is a sustainable social enterprise with a fair-chance hiring approach that funds job training programs and employment placement services by selling donated clothing and household items. To find a Goodwill location near you, use the online locator at okgoodwill.org.