A Journey of Resilience and Opportunity
Finding a stable job after personal setbacks can feel overwhelming. This Goodwill employment success story highlights how determination and the right support can transform lives. Meet Chasity Anderson, a single mother who overcame legal and employment barriers to secure a rewarding position at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital through Goodwill’s Buena Alianza program.
Overcoming Barriers to Employment
Chasity had been out of work for two months due to family issues and faced an additional legal hurdle. Despite these obstacles, she remained committed to supporting her child, elderly grandmother, and aunt as the sole provider of the home.
Her work history was impressive: caregiver, medical call center agent, housekeeper in elderly care, and hospital cleaner. But finding a new job wasn’t easy. Chasity dreamed of working at Johns Hopkins Hospital for its excellent benefits. During a visit to the hospital, she met a Hispanic housekeeper who shared her success in securing a position at Johns Hopkins through Goodwill’s Buena Alianza program, sparking hope for Chasity.
How Goodwill’s Buena Alianza Program Made a Difference
Chasity connected with Goodwill Employment Specialist Barry Graham, who immediately began assisting her:
- Resume Upgrade: Graham helped Chasity revamp her resume to highlight her skills and experience.
- Job Applications: They applied for positions at Johns Hopkins, Morgan State University, and St. Agnes Hospital. Unfortunately, her background and technicalities in her employment history led to multiple rejections.
- Encouragement: Despite these setbacks, Graham reminded Chasity to stay positive, emphasizing that dismissed charges often take time to clear from records.
Finally, after two months had passed since the charge was dismissed, Graham suggested applying for an Environmental Services Support Associate role at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital, a new Goodwill partner. He coached Chasity to be upfront about her legal history during the interview.
Landing a Job at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital
Chasity’s interview with MedStar’s EVS Director went exceptionally well. Graham advocated for her, highlighting her commitment and reliability. The Director agreed to take a chance on her and even suggested adding her security guard and medical call center experience to her resume for a higher salary than the minimum starting wage of $18.00 per hour.
The result? Chasity was offered $21.50 per hour, plus a $2.00 overnight differential, bringing her total to $23.50 per hour—a significant improvement from the minimum wage offer.
Overcoming Final Barriers
During onboarding, Chasity wrote a detailed letter explaining her dismissed charge to the HR team. MedStar accepted her explanation, and she officially started on August 4, 2025. Today, she works overnight shifts, cleans patient rooms, assists in emergency areas, and earns overtime by covering extra shifts. Her dedication has made her one of the hospital’s most trusted EVS associates.
Chasity now enjoys full benefits, including vacation, sick time, and tuition reimbursement, which she plans to use for further education. Recently, she was recognized as one of the top students during MedStar’s EVS training seminar—a testament to her resilience and work ethic.
Why This Story Matters
Chasity’s journey highlights the power of second chances, community support, and career development programs like Goodwill Buena Alianza. Her success proves that with determination and the right guidance, barriers can be overcome.
Are you ready to take the next steps in advancing your own career? You can easily become the next Goodwill employment success story. Join the thousands of individuals who have transformed their lives through Goodwill’s workforce development programs. Visit our Mission Page to learn more about how Goodwill can help you through job placement services, training opportunities, and career support. Your next opportunity is just a click away!
FAQ
Q: What is the Goodwill Buena Alianza program?
A: As part of Goodwill’s commitment to changing lives through the power of work, Buena Alianza was created to better serve the Latino community in the Baltimore region. Buena Alianza provides bilingual individualized services, job readiness, and placement assistance services. Individuals receive one-on-one assistance in finding gainful employment, confidential mentoring, and referrals for services in the community. From resume building to mock interviews, participants receive the help they need to enter the workforce.
Q: Can I get hired with a dismissed criminal charge?
Many employers consider applicants with dismissed charges, especially when candidates are upfront about their history and provide clear explanations.
Q: How can I support employment services in the Baltimore area?
A: Consider donating to Goodwill’s mission to help fund Buena Alianza and fuel another Goodwill employment success story in Baltimore and across the Chesapeake region. If you are unable to donate, support us on our socials and help spread the word about our programs.
