Robert's Story

Early in life, it was clear to Robert that he was created to serve. As a correctional officer, he assisted inmates nearing release to find employment in the community. He organized inmate work crews to help with volunteer organization projects such as neighborhood cleanups. He went on to become a volunteer firefighter and paramedic in two communities before making firefighting his full-time career.

One day, he came across a quote that summed up where he found his passion in life — and his desire to live again.

I love when people that have been through hell walk out of the flames carrying buckets of water for those still consumed by the fire.

Stephanie Sparkles

That was it! After so many years, all the pieces suddenly fell into place. All his personal trauma and the trauma he was exposed to in his career prepared him for this new purpose. One small step at a time, God had prepared him to support others as they claim their right to healing and wholeness.

He needed to be taught that in life, you have choices. He was unaware that choices existed. He was blindly traveling down a path, believing that he had no control over the outcome.

I believed I was at the mercy of circumstance. Life would happen, and I would find a way to endure it. When happiness or joy found its way to me, it felt foreign. In hindsight, I realize I had become comfortable being uncomfortable. I had decided that was how life would be. After all, these events happened to me and shaped who I had become. I had survived, but I was far from thriving.

Robert Goodland

Little by little, Robert began to understand that these horrible things were not done to him but for him. He found hope and started to look at his life differently. The right people appeared at the right time. He realized he could use life's lessons to help others consumed by their fires. He could carry buckets of water to them.

In the Media

Read the WEAU Article

Read the Volume One Article

Listen to Robert's Process on Katie Allen's Podcast