Goodwill Houston Success Story: Benjamin Carter

Benjamin GWH Success Story

Benjamin used drugs off and on since he was a teenager. He would stop for periods of time before relapsing with meth or cocaine. His last bout with addiction came during a tough divorce. Benjamin’s dad moved in to help with childcare—but passed away from a heart attack. As a result, Benjamin lost his job which caused him to start selling drugs to make ends meet. 

Benjamin was arrested and convicted of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. He spent two years in prison but after his release struggled to find work. Knowing that Goodwill Houston gave opportunities to people with a criminal history, he applied for a job online and was hired as a dock worker at Goodwill's Gessner outlet. 

Thanks to his “can-do” attitude, he developed a reputation as a hard worker and problem solver. Because of that he was promoted numerous times before achieving his current position as general manager at the busy Sabo outlet where he is thriving. Recently, he received a Moreton Achievement Award for his ability to inspire others —one of seven awards given by Goodwill Houston each August for exceptional performance and overcoming significant obstacles. 

Benjamin says he is thankful that he works with people with a similar background to his because he wants to use his story to help others going through tough times. 

Said Benjamin, “I want them to realize that through consistency and hard work there truly is hope for change.”