20 Oct Rachael Hart Finds Hope, Stability and a Second Chance Through Goodwill”

Rachael Hart, an E-Commerce Specialist at Goodwill’s Cockrill Bend Outlet, is working to turn her life around with the support of Goodwill’s EmpowerU program.  

Hart, a 38-year-old Nashville resident, was hired with Goodwill in September 2024 after being incarcerated for three years. Despite applying for many different types of jobs, Hart said her criminal background prevented employers from hiring her.  

“I was told employers couldn’t hire me because I was a felon,” Hart said. “I applied at Goodwill because not only do they give second chances, but they also understand when you have a disability. I struggle with mental health issues, and I am so thankful I was able to find a job that will work with me.” 

Shortly after starting her employment with Goodwill, Hart enrolled in the organization’s EmpowerU Program. Launched in October 2024,  EmpowerU connects team members with a success coach who helps them reach personal and professional goals. EmpowerU also helps team members overcome barriers that may be hindering their success, such as financial and mental health issues. 

Hart said she had been struggling to pay her rent and car repairs. Hart’s EmpowerU coach, Jennifer Johns, helped her apply for Goodwill’s TRUE Blue Fund, which provides team members with short-term financial assistance. Johns also helped Hart find transitional housing several months later when her living arrangement became dangerous.  

“Jen has been so amazing to me,” Hart said. “She has helped me through so many hard moments. Having someone to check in and make sure everything is okay really makes a big difference.” 

Together, Hart and Johns have been working on career development. Hart eventually wants to pursue a career in IT. While in prison, she was able to complete several Computer and Information Technology classes through Tennessee College of Applied Technology. With guidance from Johns, Hart has enrolled in Goodwill’s IBM Skills Build platform that provides a variety of digital and employability certificate programs.  

“These courses will help put me on the path to bettering myself and moving up in my career. Jen has also helped me enroll in a budgeting course and find mental health resources for a family member,” Hart said.  

One year into its launch, the EmpowerU program has seven success coaches currently serving 548 Goodwill team members. In total, EmpowerU has served 620 people. 

“Rachael has been amazing to work with,” Johns said. “She is always striving to do and be her best, even when it’s hard. She’s a pleasure to coach, and she always follows through with the goals and tasks that we set together. It has been a blessing for me to watch her growth in real time.” 

Hart said she initially felt slightly embarrassed about enrolling in the program, but she quickly realized the power of a supportive mentor who wants to see her succeed. Now, she proudly shares her story with other Goodwill team members and encourages them to enroll in EmpowerU. 

“EmpowerU and Jen have been a God-send, if it wasn’t for this program I don’t know where I’d be,” Hart said.