Success Story: Eric Minor

Meet Eric Minor

A native of Detroit, Michigan, Eric Minor attended Michigan State University for two years before dropping out to enlist in the Marines as an Aviation Electronics Technician. He enjoyed his time in the service. “I’ve traveled all over the world,” he says. “I attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and was honorably discharged.” Following 10 years of active service, Minor found himself in Atlanta in 2000.

The new millennium did not roll out the red carpet for him. Despite his military successes, he was met with a crumbling marriage, homelessness and prolonged unemployment as a returning veteran. Unaccustomed to a life of setbacks and barriers, he felt lost in his return to civilian life.

“I was at a crossroad,” Minor says. “I decided to seek additional help and contacted the VA regional office.”

Through his contacts at Veterans Affairs Minor was referred to Goodwill of North Georgia’s First Choice: Veterans program. While in the program he gained hands-on experience at Goodwill’s Northeast Plaza store, once again working in a team environment and learning how the chain of command works in the workplace. He also connected with other veterans at the career center, many of whom were facing similar challenges in their search for permanent employment.

Minor’s personal job search ended shortly after his completion of the program. “I met competitive employment standards in all areas within two months’ time,” he says. “This led to a full-time job offer at Goodwill’s Northeast Plaza store.” Years later Minor is still an essential member of the Northeast Plaza store team.