Matthew | Joining a Mentorship Program Helped Build a Career

Boys and Men of Color Program Provides Benefits of Mentoring to Goodwill Employees

Matthew Ellis’s journey with Goodwill started more than ten years ago, but things really took off when he joined the Boys and Men of Color program. As part of Goodwill, this program gives young men the mentorship, resources and life skills they need to succeed. For Matthew, it’s been a game-changer, helping him build a career and connect with a supportive community. 

Finding Personal Growth and Job Success 

Matthew started at Goodwill as a security guard, but the Boys and Men of Color program opened up a new path. “The program taught me about commitment and strategic planning,” he says. It wasn’t just about work—it was about personal growth, too. Matthew picked up essential skills like budgeting and goal-setting, giving him the tools to level up in both his career and life. 

A Community That Feels Like Family 

One of the best parts of the program? The connections. Through Boys and Men of Color, Matthew found mentors and peers who had his back every step of the way. “I’ve built a new family of people who support my goals,” he shares. Having a community to lean on, especially when things get tough, has been invaluable. 

Paying It Forward by Mentoring Others  

Now an Area Manager at Goodwill, Matthew is all about giving back. He mentors younger employees, helping them find their paths, just like he did. “One of the best parts of my role is helping others grow,” he says. He’s promoted team members and shares everything he’s learned along the way, creating a ripple effect of growth and support. 

Matthew’s story is what Goodwill is all about: helping people find their way, build new skills and create a brighter future. With Goodwill’s programs, he didn’t just find a job—he found a purpose and a community that feels like home.