My Journey with Good Cause Gifts: A Story of Purpose and Community

When I first walked into Good Cause Gifts in 2010, I had no idea how much it would change my life. At the time, I was looking for a way to give back after stepping away from a demanding career in retail to spend more time with my daughter. What started as volunteering quickly turned into a journey of growth, connection, and purpose.

How It All Began

I joined Good Cause Gifts as a part-time job coach, working just 10 hours a week at our first store on Farmington Avenue in Berlin, CT. Back then, we had a tiny space, a small team of four consumers, and a manager. A month later, the manager left, and I stepped into the role.

Looking back, my 15 years in retail gave me the tools to take on this challenge, but it was the mission of the store that truly inspired me. I loved the idea of creating a space where individuals with disabilities could gain meaningful work experience while being part of a supportive and inclusive community.

Watching Lives Transform

Working with our team has been the most rewarding part of my job. Over the years, I’ve watched young adults come in shy, uncertain, and struggling with challenges like anxiety or social skills. Slowly but surely, I’ve seen them grow into confident individuals who greet customers, manage tasks, and even go on buying trips with us.

I remember one young woman in particular. She started with significant hurdles—anxiety and other personal challenges—but now she works independently. That’s the kind of transformation that keeps me coming back every day.

For many of our employees, even small milestones are huge victories. Learning to clock in and out, unpacking merchandise, or greeting customers are more than just job tasks—they’re life skills. And seeing their pride when they earn a paycheck is priceless.

A Store with Heart

Good Cause Gifts isn’t just a store—it’s a place where people feel seen and valued. We’ve worked hard to curate a selection of products that are unique, high-quality, and on-trend. From trips to markets in Atlanta and Boston to meeting with vendors, I’ve loved the process of finding new items for our customers.

But what makes our store truly special is the cause behind it. When customers walk in, we make sure they understand that every dollar they spend helps provide jobs and opportunities for individuals with disabilities. It’s incredible to see how much they care. Many of them tell me they shop here not just for the products but because they believe in what we’re doing.

Building a Community

Our work doesn’t stop at the store. Over the years, we’ve partnered with local organizations and hosted events that give back to the community. Whether it’s collaborating with the YMCA or working with other nonprofits, these partnerships strengthen our mission.

Our loyal customers are a big part of our success, too. They’ve supported us through the years, and it’s their encouragement and belief in our work that keeps us moving forward.

Reflections on My Journey

After 15 years, I’m preparing to retire, and it’s a bittersweet moment. This role has been so much more than a job—it’s been a calling. I’ve always said, “It’s not about the paycheck.” If that were the case, I would have retired long ago. Instead, it’s about the people—the individuals and team we work with,  and the customers who believe in us.

As I pass the torch to the new director, I know she’ll bring her own energy and ideas to the store. My advice to her and anyone else joining the Good Cause Gifts team is this: be hands-on, embrace the mission, and never forget why we’re here. This job is about so much more than sales. It’s about making a difference in people’s lives, one small step at a time.

Moving Forward

Although I’m retiring, I’m not saying goodbye entirely. I’ll continue to support the store part-time, helping with buying for the store and working alongside Shannon and the team as they carry our mission forward.

Looking back on my time here, I feel incredibly grateful. Good Cause Gifts has shown me the power of inclusion, the importance of community, and the joy of helping others discover their potential. It’s been an honor to be part of something so meaningful, and I can’t wait to see how the store continues to grow and thrive in the years to come.

Good Cause Gifts will always be more than a store to me—it’s a place where purpose and heart come together, and I’m proud to have been part of its story.

Sharon Faucher