For Jacob Brown, resilience is more than perseverance—it’s the determination to rebuild and push forward despite setbacks. At just 20, he has already faced challenges in life, yet an unwavering commitment to self-improvement has led him to independence and purpose.
Growing up in Orangeburg, securing stable employment was not easy for Jacob. Even when he found work, stability remained elusive. After landing a position at a local company, Jacob thought he was on track. However, without warning, he found himself out of a job through no fault of his own.
Through the encouragement of a friend from work, Jacob was introduced to Palmetto Goodwill’s career services, where he met that friend’s wife, Courtney, a success coach in our Orangeburg Career Opportunity Center. With her support and resources, Jacob was introduced to opportunities for development programs that equipped him with job search strategies and interview preparation.
Perseverance paid off when he secured a full-time role as a forklift operator. Jacob’s ability to track inventory and ensure efficiency quickly made him an asset to his new employer.
“Just don’t give up. It’s tough, especially for younger people, but you’ve got to keep pushing forward,” Jacob explains.
His transformation earned him the Graduate of the Year award, recognizing his determination to overcome adversity. Now thriving, Jacob is exploring new educational opportunities while remaining focused on his future.
Jacob’s story is one of many lives changed through Palmetto Goodwill’s programs.
Explore our latest Annual Report to see how we’re making a sustainable impact in communities across the region—and watch Jacob’s video below to hear his journey in his own words.
