On Veterans Day, we honor those who served, and we also spotlight the people working every day to help veterans thrive after service. At Goodwill Central Texas, that includes Jordan Kelch, a U.S. Army veteran and Workforce Advancement Career Case Manager who supports veterans across Central Texas.
Finding a Path to Service—Again
Jordan’s connection to Goodwill began years ago, when he was taking daily assignments as a self-service contractor. The Goodwill Excel Center (our free adult high school) was one of the client sites that came up in his morning list of available assignments. That early on-the-ground experience with adult learners planted a seed. Jordan quickly realized that helping people restart school, work, and life felt meaningful.
What the Work Looks Like Today
Ask Jordan what he likes most about his job, and he goes straight to impact: those moments when he can help keep a veteran “from being kicked out of their home.” His role spans practical support and steady advocacy, meeting people where they are, keeping doors open, and moving barriers out of the way.
Veterans’ needs vary widely. As Jordan puts it, “the veteran population is not a monolith.” Many separating service members do well with support from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or state/county veteran services. But he also sees “a population that’s very often not OK,” including people whose exit from the military was “less than ideal.” For them, compassionate, consistent help can be the difference between stalling out and moving forward.
What Support Can Include
Jordan outlined two core kinds of help he frequently connects veterans to:
- Direct financial assistance for living expenses. From help with rent to car payments to keeping the lights on, this straightforward help enables veterans to stabilize when life gets tight.
The exact mix depends on the person’s goals and situation. Every individual is unique, and Jordan focuses on providing practical, timely support that meets each veteran where they are.
How Veterans Find Us
More than half of the individuals Jordan sees come specifically for veteran services because they hear about Goodwill’s veteran support offerings at outreach events. He also spends significant time in the community (at VA events and with groups like the Austin Community College Student Veterans Association), so that when someone is ready, they know where to go.
Supported by a grant from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance, the Goodwill Central Texas veteran support program offers a wide range of no-cost services. From emergency financial assistance for things like rent, mortgage, food, utilities, and transportation to help with financial planning, this program is geared toward helping veterans thrive upon returning to civilian life.
A Veteran’s Lens on the Journey
Jordan served from 2008 to 2012. Having left the Army more than a decade ago, he’s quick to note that the military changes over time. But the constant he sees is this: transitions are easier when systems are flexible and people feel welcome. His day-to-day goal is to prevent setbacks from becoming stop signs. He aims to help veterans stay in the room, stay encouraged, and keep moving toward education and work.
Honoring Our Heroes Every Day
We are so grateful for Jordan’s service and for the grounded, compassionate way he shows up for veterans across Central Texas. If you or someone you know is a veteran who could use support with living expenses or a path to training and work, we’re here to help. Explore Goodwill Central Texas’ veteran support services today.
Also, come into any of Goodwill Central Texas’ retail store locations on Tuesdays to get 30% off! At Goodwill, we honor our veterans today and every day. That’s why every Tuesday is Heroes Day at our retail stores. Every Tuesday, active or retired military (along with seniors ages 55+ and first responders) get 30% off. Just show valid ID at checkout. Find your nearest store location here. This is just one of the many ways we say “thank you” to everyone who has served.
And once again, from all of us at Goodwill Central Texas to every veteran, active-duty service member, Guard and Reserve member, and the families who stand with you: thank you for your service and sacrifice.
