Meet Robert Frank, a donation attendant and utility worker at a Goodwill store in suburban Chicago. Robert suffered physical abuse as a child, including blows to the head that left him with a cognitive disability. With support from Goodwill, he learned to read and write. At age 65, he read a book for the first time, giving him new confidence and a more positive outlook on life.
Category: My Story
My Story: Thomas Murray
Thomas makes a difference in the lives of the elderly through his current job, but when he first reached out to Goodwill of Central Iowa, he was looking for a position to simply get him off the couch and be productive.
My Story: Chelsea Rucker
In 2018, Chelsea found herself with no steady job and no place to go. She and her two young daughters had to stay in a homeless shelter for three months.
My Story: Dale Garcia
For most of his career, Dale Garcia proudly worked in the transportation industry until a severe injury left him out of work for more than two years. And the long gap in employment made finding another job difficult.
My Story: John Dziewa
John Dziewa was 17 years old when a diving accident changed his life forever. A quadriplegic he underwent months of rehabilitation; and after graduating from high school he was unsure what was next for him. He envisioned a future of dependence on others but his family was persistent, he could do so much more.
My Story: Adelis Mendoza
My name is Adelis Mendoza. I am 33 years old and I have an intellectual disability. I live in a Caracas neighborhood called José Félix Rivas. I came to Goodwill Venezuela with the intention of finding a job, because it is very difficult for people like me to find a job. At Goodwill I found much more than a job!
My Story: Charlene
Even with a 29-year Army career and a master's degree, Charlene had trouble finding employment until she learned about Goodwill's job training and placement program for veterans.
My Story: Helen Lopez
Helen Lopez has always had a passion for helping others and it has shown in everything she does over the past 27 years. Helen began her career with Goodwill Fort Worth in 1990 as a contracted Janitor at the Federal Center. During her time at the Federal Center, Helen was promoted to supervisor and finally
My Story: Brad Sleighter
Things hit an all-time low for Brad in 2014. His wife passed away, and he needed to move out of the home they once shared. After struggling with substance abuse for months, Brad sought treatment. During his treatment, he set a goal that he wanted to get a job and better his life. This is when a family member told Brad about Goodwill having programs and services for individuals seeking employment. Brad realized he would need help to reach his goal of finding a job, so he attended an information session at Goodwill.
My Story: Yashika Jones
The United States Department of Labor defines a non-traditional career for women as one in which 25% or less of those employed in the field are women. Yashika Jones has been a part of that statistic for nearly 14 years. While living in Connecticut, Jones was employed by the Sheet Metal Union. Working in this industry can often times be demanding, with long hours and unpredictable weather conditions.
My Story: Debora Holmes
Former Receptionist Earns a College Degree and a Promotion at Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana.
My Story: Dan Newberry
Dan Newberry, Manager of Goodwill’s E-cycle Operations, joined the Army right after high school, expecting to complete a lifelong military career. That plan ended abruptly in 2012. Honorably discharged due to a medical-related disability, Dan soon found himself adrift. "I went from having a sense of responsibility, pride and direction in life, to nothing. It was incredibly difficult," he recalled.
