From secondhand to second chances: Goodwills impact in Colorados [Video]

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) -When you think of Goodwill, you might think of secondhand shopping. But Goodwill of Colorado has been changing lives for years, and one local leader is helping make it happen.

Gary Smith, a retired Army veteran, joined Goodwill in 2008 after serving 22 years in the military. Now, as Chief Mission Officer, he helps veterans and military families adjust to civilian life with job training and employment programs.

Goodwill offers programs like LIFT, which helps veterans learn skills for careers in cybersecurity and medical technology. Another program, Colorado ReHire, helps people re-enter the workforce with training, education, and even paid opportunities. Military spouses, who often move frequently, can get help finding stable jobs. These programs don’t just help others they also helped Smith adjust to life outside the military.

“I struggled, like most vets do. But once I got into Goodwill, I realized what they do …