In the Spotlight
Good For Others
San Diego, CA –The San Diego Nonprofit Consortium, led by Good For Others Foundation, is addressing workforce shortages in the nonprofit sector by preparing individuals for hard-to-fill roles like Program Specialists and Program Managers. Through their CWDB-funded Nonprofit Sector High Road Training Program, they support unemployed, underemployed, and incumbent workers in building leadership skills to advance their careers. This strategic partnership offers tailored training and supportive services like financial assistance, transportation stipends, childcare support, and effective case management, preparing individuals to advance into high quality careers.
In addition to specialized certifications, participants gain access to job fairs, alumni networks, and AI-powered interview preparation that connect to real opportunities. Other benefits include access to peer-led employer groups, a pooled retirement plan, and a pilot nonprofit hub application designed to streamline resources and connections.
Even amid workforce development challenges, the Good For Others Foundation continues to drive personal advancement, creating lasting systems change through collaboration and a people-first approach.
Joanna Elrick
In May 2023, after two-plus decades in the Southeast U.S., Joanna returned to her hometown of San Diego. A freelance writer with a PhD in humanities and social sciences, she had seen her career shift significantly with the rise of AI tools. She returned to California with limited financial resources, unsure of her next steps.
Despite San Diego’s high cost of living, she was drawn back by a sense of familiarity. At nearly fifty years old, with ongoing health concerns and a history of substance use disorder, starting over felt uncertain.
Her experience quickly underscored how difficult it is to navigate housing instability later in life, especially with underlying health conditions. Seeking support from local shelters led her to the San Diego Rescue Mission (SDRM), where she learned about their one-year residential recovery program (the Academy). The program provided structure, meals, and safe housing—making it a clear next step for Joanna.
Over the course of 15 months, she found space to reflect and focus on recovery. “The Academy gave me something that is increasingly rare: time to rest, reflect, and heal without the pressure of economic survival,” she said.
During this time, she maintained sobriety and developed a new career path. She earned her California Peer Support Specialist certification. Then, built on an interest in nonprofit work through Good For Others Foundation trainings and support from the San Diego Workforce Partnership. She also reconnected with her faith, receiving Confirmation in the Roman Catholic Church on Easter 2025.
“I have rebuilt my life, and I am committed to giving back through the very systems that helped me survive and thrive.”
Today, Joanna works at a residential treatment facility in San Diego, supporting women experiencing substance use, homelessness, and involvement in the justice system. She hopes to move into grant writing and nonprofit administration, where she can apply her research and writing skills in new ways.
“My personal story is a testament to the life-changing impact of San Diego’s nonprofit sector,” Joanna shared. “Organizations like SDRM, the San Diego Workforce Partnership, and the Good For Others Foundation offered not just services, but hope. They invested in me when I had little to offer in return. I have rebuilt my life, and I am committed to giving back through the very systems that help me survive and thrive.”
Denise Montero
“Looking back at these past three months with the Good For Others Foundation, it’s truly been an incredibly humbling and eye-opening experience,” said Denise, a marketing professional who joined the [CWDB funded] Future Nonprofit Leaders course after years in the corporate world.
Before the program, her work focused on traditional business goals. But through hands-on experience, especially the Digital Marketing Consultancy Capstone project, she began to see her skills through a new lens. “Working on the Capstone, I found myself applying my digital marketing skills in a way that felt deeply meaningful. It wasn’t just about strategy; it was about empowering real people and their dreams,” she reflected.
“It’s less about metrics alone, and more about the ripple effect of positive change you can help create in a community.”
Denise shares how her experience helped strengthen her understanding of the nonprofit sector’s unique challenges and could serve a greater purpose. “This journey has transformed how I view professional impact – it’s less about metrics alone, and more about the ripple effect of positive change you can help create in a community.”
As the course ended, Denise felt a strong sense of pride and forward momentum. “I [noticed] myself feeling a quiet, yet deep, sense of pride for what we’ve explored and designed with the Capstone project. It’s a pride rooted in the potential I see for these ideas to genuinely help small businesses flourish.”
Looking ahead, Denise is ready to turn learning into action. “I’m genuinely excited about the future, and I truly feel ready—and incredibly passionate—to contribute. My hope is to take everything I’ve learned from this program and channel it into practical action, helping entrepreneurs navigate the digital landscape, build stronger foundations, and ultimately contribute to more vibrant, resilient communities.”
Juliana Basave
Juliana Basave recently transitioned from a part-time administrative role to a full-time Program Manager position after completing Good For Others Foundation training. Her success reflects her dedication and the power of strategic partnerships, especially the job placement support she received through Good For Others partner Climb Hire.
“I was really impressed with all the resources we were given and I came out of it with a lot more tools in my toolkit, so I would one hundred percent encourage (people) to just do it.”
Learn more about Juilana’s story.
Good For Others’ Talent Fit Assessment
The Good For Others Foundation is committed to offering valuable training for unemployed and underemployed workers, through advanced placement tools like the Talent Fit Assessment. This customized approach includes coaching and other job placement support, equipping individuals and hiring organizations with data to help build stronger teams. It is also heavily focused on ensuring participants’ job success after their training is completed. To this aim, they utilize the Talent Fit Assessment to improve hiring and career outcomes. The assessment allows participants to get better matched to a job and to receive informed coaching and support. Additionally, it equips both individuals and hiring organizations with data to build stronger teams and improve leadership effectiveness.
Find out more about Good For Others and how they are helping people move into purpose-driven careers.