Our Mission at Work

Serving the community measurably and genuinely has always been part of Goodwill Industries — Big Bend’s mission, and we do so by providing services that extend beyond retail storefronts. At Goodwill Industries — Big Bend, we provide a variety of services that are available at no cost to the community. Our goal is to empower our community members to live self-sufficient and fulfilling lives as they navigate through whatever challenges they may face. Located throughout 22 county territories, GIBB has a multitude of locations dedicated to meeting your needs. Available services include affordable housing, career development programs, disability services, veteran services, and re-entry employment guidance. These services focus on the individual, their talents, aspirations, and basic needs. One scholarship program, made possible through a collaboration with Google, has helped hundreds of people in our community complete online certification programs. One particular success story stuck with us: our Graduate of the Year, Niki Pathak.

Niki’s Journey

Life doesn’t always go as planned. For Niki Pathak, she found clarity in adversity after her newborn daughter, Sage, was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and ADHD. While working hard to complete her degree in Retail Merchandising and Product Development she was soon overwhelmed by the sudden weight placed on her shoulders. As Niki read everything she could get her hands on about her daughter’s diagnosis she grew angry at the world and depressed as the plans for their shared future seemed to disintegrate before her very eyes. However, as a loving mother, Niki was determined to provide Sage with the best possible care she could find. For Niki, it was a miracle when she found the Autism Treatment Center of America and began the process of treating Sage’s condition with intensive therapy. Through therapy, Niki learned more about her daughter, came to love her more fiercely, and began to view her condition as another part of her wonderful being — not a defining factor.

While Niki strengthened her relationship with her daughter, she still found herself in a difficult situation. As a single mother, Niki was pressured to choose between going to work, taking her sick child to the doctor, attending therapy, or catching up on a few hours of sleep after days of deprivation. This balancing act led to 15 years of hardship for Niki and Sage. Finding herself between jobs, surviving a toxic situation at home, and dealing with mental health battles, Niki was at her lowest point. Niki believes that in difficult times, we are presented with exactly what we need to rise. During those troubled times Niki met Suraj, a man who accepted her daughter for who she was and loved Niki for the strength she had shown. Niki likes to say that she gives God the glory, but Suraj the credit.

Niki committed to finding a job that was deadline orientated and received guidance through vocational rehab, leading her to the Goodwill Industries – Big Bend scholarship program. The program, available through a partnership with Goodwill and Google, offers certifications covering a wide range of topics and courses. Niki had always dreamed of doing graphic design professionally, having a talent in art. She decided that the Digital Social Media Marketing program would be a good place to start working towards her dreams. After two months and support from the people around her Niki completed the program. Her next step was to work with an employment company that her vocational rehab center put her in contact with to find a job in graphic design. Niki was overwhelmed with excitement when she received a surprise call from her employment coach notifying her that a potential employer was looking for the exact position Niki came to dream of. After sending over samples, the employer told her she was blown away by Niki’s work and hired her.
Niki now finds herself married to the man of her dreams, working the most fulfilling job she’s ever had, being the best mom she can be to Sage. While everyone’s journey is their own, Niki found solace in the pursuit of her passion. She turned her fear, discomfort, and anger into love, compassion, and dedication. Because of these exemplary traits, we are proud to award Niki Pathak with the honor of Goodwill’s 2021 Graduate of the Year.

Support Our Mission

As seen in Niki’s story, these certifications are vital for those looking to pursue their passions in a professional setting. However, we can’t provide these services without the support of our Goodwill retail shoppers and donors. With 87 cents of each dollar made at a Goodwill retail center directly funding these programs, it is imperative that we continue to receive donations from you and your fellow community members so they can find their way back into the community.

This cycle of generosity is the foundation on which Goodwill Bing Bend operates. Without these small acts of kindness, community members like Niki would not have the same opportunities. With over 11,000 individuals served, 512 successful job placements, and 17,647 courses completed in 2021 alone, we will continue to serve our community– with your help.

If you are interested in finding out more about the services we provide, visit us online or visit one of our donation or retail centers.