Goodwill of North Georgia recently honored more than 1,200 graduates of its career training and workforce development programs during a ceremony held at the Georgia Aquarium.
The organization celebrated 400 more graduates than it did last year.
Graduates ranged in age from 15 to 74 and completed training in fields including medical billing, supply chain management and heat pump technology and more, according to a statement.
Goodwill of North Georgia is concluding celebrations marking its 100th anniversary.
George Hand II was named Graduate of the Year after completing the Supply Chain Management program at Goodwill’s Old National Career Center.
He entered the program in 2025 through the SNAP Works program, determined to build a stable career and create stability for his family. According to Goodwill, he overcame challenges that included limited formal education and reliance on food assistance.
“Goodwill gave me more than skills; they gave me belief in myself,” Hand said. “I came in not knowing what was possible, and I left knowing exactly what I was capable of. I am grateful every day for the staff at the Old National Career Center who never stopped pushing me toward my potential.”
In a statement, Keith T. Parker, president and CEO of Goodwill of North Georgia, said the graduating class reflects the organization’s belief “that every person, regardless of their background or barriers, deserves access to meaningful work and a pathway to a better life.”
“As we close out our centennial year, we are more committed than ever to the next 100 years of impact,” Parker added.
Goodwill of North Georgia provides free career coaching and training programs through its career centers. The organization works with more than 5,000 employers, public agencies and organizations to connect individuals to job opportunities.
Birgit Smith Burton, CEO of the African American Development Officers Network, delivered the keynote address during the ceremony.
Smith Burton encouraged graduates to recognize the influence their accomplishments can have on others.
“Sometimes belief is borrowed before it becomes your own,” she said, according to the statement. “The power isn’t in the diploma; it’s in you.”
Jenny Taylor, vice president of career services at Goodwill of North Georgia, said many students begin their training during some of the most challenging periods of their lives.
“They leave here with certifications, careers and a renewed sense of purpose,” Taylor said.
For the seventh consecutive year, Goodwill of North Georgia has been recognized as the No. 1 Goodwill organization in the nation for placing job seekers in meaningful employment among 150 Goodwill regions across the country.
Since its founding, Goodwill reports it has served more than 835,000 people and helped more than 340,000 individuals secure meaningful employment.
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