Work Week: Willy’s Story

If you’ve been following along with our blog and our work, you know by now that we're all about rallying the community and offering game-changing services so every neighbor can truly live, work, and belong. With this being “Work” Week, we're zeroing in on a fresh face at GSI, and a brand-new role we've created to strengthen our teams and get us ready for our next chapter. This isn't just another participant or director spotlight.. it’s the story of Willy, our newest Crew Manager, and how this opportunity is transforming his grind into something with a lot more purpose.

We’ve tweaked our setup at GSI a bit.. (more on that during “Belong” Week next week) but for now, know this new crew manager role is all about backing up our teams and keeping our community tight and strong.

Willy’s story starts in a rough spot: He shared that his old job was a soul-drainer, fogging his mind, stealing family time, and leaving him beat. Nothing short of exhausting, in all facets. But now? GSI’s given him solid ground, real purpose, and adequate space to invest in his wife and his faith. Like a lot of others who’ve come through GSI, Willy is proof that work done.. God’s way above our own.. can really turn things around, bring balance, and set you up to shine right where He’s planted you.

Willy got connected to GSI through his buddy Mike. As Willy put it, "He explained to me the purpose of GSI and KCB, and it resonated with me. I knew that I wanted to be a part of this organization. Their values are important to me, and it's something I can proudly stand behind.” Before GSI, Willy’s job was a heavy load.. Stress didn’t stay at work. It trailed him home, kept him in a bad mood, and robbed him of time he could've spent with his family. Especially with his wife, who's his absolute best friend. Shoutout to Willy’s wife, who works over at Olive Crest, our local partner that helps out kids and families in tough spots. She's thrilled to see him in a faith-based organization like KCB, where our core values line up with what they hold dear as children of God.

Now, with steady work at GSI, Willy’s life has flipped.. he’s got a schedule that actually works with his life and gives him time for loved ones and home projects. One moment from the interview that stood out.. He shared that recently he was able to come home from work at GSI and NOT be in a bad mood.. (That’s a win in itself!) He was able to fix a new faucet for his wife! She was all smiles, and right then Willy knew, "God has me where He wants me.”

While jumping into this new crew manager role, Willy’s been blown away by the team’s support. "I was so glad for the trust Good Soil and the team gave me to start as crew manager with the experience that I had," he said. "I was so grateful for them to open up their skills and knowledge to teach me to be ready and equipped to make sure we have our community looking top-notch.” He's fired up about what's ahead too. "I am very excited and grateful to God to start this new journey with GSI and to give back to my community that I live in.”

Willy shared that the whole crew's been patient and welcoming as he’s gained momentum, and he's set on leading by example. "I've learned that being open to constructive criticism can really help elevate your work performance, even in the smallest things.” And big props to Gene for being such a solid influence. Willy nailed it when asked about mentors: "Gene has been very patient with me and his patient way of teaching has impacted me because even when you mess up or do a mistake, he will correct you but teach you at the same time. He doesn't just correct you and leave you hanging. He works with you until you get better. He is always very clear in what's expected and he takes his time to teach you well, even if it has to be multiple times.”

With the time GSI's freed up, Willy's leaning into goals that give him life. "This job has allowed me to take on more projects at church, and it has given me the opportunity to become a mentor for my youth group at Vine Church," he said. "It all has been possible because of GSI and the time God has given me back working with GSI.” That’s what gets me about Willy’s story. Sometimes, we find ourselves living a fragmented life. We have a “work life,” a “prayer life,” a “social life,” but in reality, we have one life. And each part hits the others. That’s why aligning with God’s will above our own matters so much. Willy’s living it. God gives us all different strengths, and His plan is perfect. If we can focus on “being” in His will and “abiding” in Him, we will see the fruits of His will. It’s about long obedience in the same direction. Keep God at the center, and He will show you His purpose in your work.

This renewed energy shows up in Willy’s passions. He’s a family man, an avid hiker, a killer on the drums, and loves his video games. And his sense of humor is good too. He dropped this one: "The less Holy Spirit we have, the more cake and coffee we need to keep the church going.” But Willy's heart for people really shows in the little things. When our Employment Development Case Manager George got in contact with him for this chat, Willy had already been off of work, and he wasn’t just chilling at home, he was out volunteering, mowing his elderly war vet neighbor's yard and pitching in on some house painting. Willy's just that kind of guy, always willing to step up to help others and be a light wherever he’s able.

On why programs like GSI matter, Willy said it like this: "Programs like these help people succeed in life. Both professionally and personally, so they can contribute back to their community." That’s why your support counts.. To all you donors and partners, Willy’s words: "Your contribution makes an impact on everyone’s lives, and it’s making a big difference in the community that we call home."

Willy’s journey has just begun, but it’s already showing that work can and should be more than just an exhausting, relentless grind. When we work for God above all, He can rebuild your time, deepen your relationship with Him, and strengthen the bonds that matter.

As we wrap “Work” Week, let’s make this stick.. What’s meaningful work to you? Drop your thoughts in the comments. And as GSI steps into this new chapter, join us in praying for Willy and his wife, for GSI’s mission, and for KCB’s work to keep our community strong. Let’s lift each other up, trusting God to guide every step.

Remember.. more Holy Spirit.. less cake and coffee.

We appreciate you Willy!

Looking forward to “Belong” Week next week, where we’ll dig into these GSI tweaks and let you know what we have going on. God bless.

Until next time…