When Isaac Jackson III heard about the employment support programs at Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, he was a husband and father of four who had been struggling to find a job for over three months. Despite nearly two decades of job experience, Isaac felt stuck. As a family man, the pressure of providing for his wife and children weighed heavily on him and he was feeling the emotional toll of unemployment.
But everything changed when a friend who had recently been hired at Johns Hopkins Hospital through Goodwill’s Buena Alianza program encouraged him to reach out for support. That simple referral became the first step in Isaac’s journey toward meaningful employment, long‑term stability, and renewed purpose.
A Personalized Path Begins
Jackson pictured with Employment Specialist Barry Graham after getting hired with Johns Hopkins.
Isaac was able to connect with Goodwill Employment Specialist B. Graham, who immediately began breaking down the barriers that had kept Isaac from re‑entering the workforce. The first step: updating his résumé to highlight his strong work history and transferable skills.
Recognizing Isaac’s interest in a career with growth potential and strong benefits—essential for someone supporting a family—and his four years of experience in industrial cleaning, Graham recommended an Environmental Services Associate (EVC) position at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Thanks to an established partnership between Goodwill and the Hopkins EVC department, Graham could confidently refer Isaac for an entry‑level opportunity that offered much more opportunity than a dead-end job.
Most importantly, Graham reassured Isaac that this entry point did not limit him. After six months, he could explore internal positions at Johns Hopkins and enjoy hiring priority over outside applicants. It was a path forward and upward.
To strengthen Isaac’s confidence and long‑term prospects, Graham also encouraged him to network with nurses, supervisors, and colleagues once on the job. Building internal connections, Graham explained, would help Isaac discover additional roles aligned with his skills and career goals.
Clearing Roadblocks with Support
After applying to the position and completing onboarding steps, Isaac faced an unexpected challenge: he learned that he had not been cleared by Hopkins Occupational Health requirements. With his start date approaching, fear and confusion set in.
Graham stepped in immediately, contacting a Hopkins HR Talent Acquisition Associate to understand the issue, which turned out to be a failed drug test. After speaking with Isaac, he discovered that the flagged result came from a prescribed medication—something that had affected a previous participant on the Goodwill employment support program as well.
Drawing from experience, Graham explained exactly what Isaac needed to do: provide his doctor’s prescription documentation to Occupational Health. Isaac followed the guidance, delivered the note, and was cleared on the spot. A major hurdle was removed thanks to quick action and knowledgeable support.
A Strong Start and Rapid Recognition
Jackson in his first uniform with Johns Hopkins as an Environmental Services Associate.
On March 24, 2025, Isaac officially began working as an Environmental Services Associate at Johns Hopkins Hospital with a starting wage of $17.20 per hour. With his strong work ethic and positive attitude, he quickly became a valued presence in the hospital.
Within his first month, he received multiple thank‑you notes from patients who praised both his dedication and his kindness. The impact of his care didn’t go unnoticed—these expressions of gratitude earned him an EVC Manager’s Award Certificate for excellence in Patient Support.
That recognition fueled a deeper desire to grow. As Isaac spent more time in the hospital environment, he became increasingly interested in the Patient Transport department. True to his proactive nature—and the advice of his Employment Specialist—he began asking colleagues and supervisors about potential opportunities.
One Patient Transport supervisor saw Isaac’s potential and encouraged him to apply once a role within the department opened up. Isaac prepared, interviewed, and succeeded in landing the new position.
By October 17, 2025, he received an offer for the Transport Associate II position, with a raise to $18.27 per hour and a start date of November 4. Today, Isaac continues to work in Patient Transport, building a strong career with even more opportunities ahead.
Finding Purpose Through Service
Jackson after his promotion, in a new uniform as a Patient Transport Associate.
When asked how Goodwill changed his life, Isaac shared that the experience transformed his entire perspective. For the first time in a long time, he felt supported—and inspired to give back.
While helping patients move through the hospital, Isaac discovered something powerful: his purpose was to help others get through their toughest days. Many patients faced circumstances far more difficult than his own and being a source of comfort and positivity gave him immediate fulfillment.
He now wakes up each day excited to go to work, wondering who he will be able to help next. Goodwill’s employment support programs don’t just help find jobs: they kickstart careers.
A Story of Hope, Resilience, and Community Impact
Isaac’s journey is more than an employment success story—it is a testament to what can happen when determination, community support, and opportunity come together.
With personalized guidance from Goodwill’s Employment Services team, a strong workplace partnership with Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Isaac’s unwavering dedication, a discouraged job seeker became a celebrated team member, a rising professional, and a source of hope for countless patients.
Stories like Isaac’s remind us why Goodwill’s mission matters. Employment changes lives—and sometimes, it reveals purpose.
Keep up with us on socials for more updates and success stories from our employment support programs. If you or someone you know is struggling with unemployment, check out how our workforce development team may be able to help you.
