I’m Pam Velado. I was living in Dallas, TX, when I lost my job. I was very discouraged when I couldn’t find another job. I moved back home to Tennessee. I enrolled in a medical assisting school through a vocational rehabilitation program. Although I did well in school and obtained my certification, I did not
Category: My Story
My Story—Sean MacGregor
The job center was a great resource for me. Not only just to get this job. Now I’m comfortable knowing that if anything happens with this job, I know immediately where to go and what to do.
My Story – Robbie Green
I have been given a second chance. I’m trying to correct things and I think God put me here for a reason. I love life now. They told me I would never work, but I’ve been at Goodwill Industries of Forth Worth for almost two years. They told me I wouldn’t drive; I have a van in the parking lot. They told me that I wouldn’t live alone; I have been living alone in an apartment. When I first came to Goodwill, I didn’t know anything about computers. With training and patience from the staff at Goodwill, I learned how to work with hard drives and refurbish computers.
My Story – Cristina Pastor
After getting laid off in Florida, Cristina Pastor moved to Buffalo, NY, to be near family. Goodwill Industries of Western New York helped her find a job with regular daytime hours that gives her plenty of time with her five children.
My Story – Joseph Lidge
With assistance from Goodwill Industries of Western New York (Buffalo), Joseph Lidge went from being homeless to launching a career and pursuing a college degree. "Life couldn’t be better. I couldn’t ask … I COULD ask for more, and I will ask for more, as long as I’m willing to put the effort behind it to get it."
My Story – Andy Yeager
Andy Yeager came to Goodwill Industries of Central Iowa (Des Moines) as a high school student looking to gain job experience. He attended job readiness training and gained on-the-job experience that led to his job as a wares processor at the Urbandale, IA, Goodwill store. His hard work paid off, and he earned the agency's Achiever of the Year award.
My Story – Lee Arnold
LEE: "Since working at Goodwill, I’ve purchased a house. This past summer, I put in a garden and grew foods I love to eat. Working at Goodwill has given me back my dignity and respect."
My Story – Montreal Ellis
Before I came to Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana, I was working for a lawn service; when the company changed managers, I was laid off. I worked for a while fixing TVs for cash, but that didn’t last long. My mom took me to see a counselor at Louisiana Rehabilitation Services, and she referred me
My Story – Alex Hammond
I started having migraines at the age of three. When I was seven, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Surgery was performed and we thought everything was okay. The tumor came back when I was 12, and another surgery was performed. After surgery, I was partially paralyzed and could not speak. I had to
My Story – Kylie Corp
During my school years I remember being an easy target because I was picked on a lot by the other kids. It got harder and harder for me to go to school, but I finally finished high school in 2007. I had no future plans and remained home with my family for the next three
My Story – Carol Newberry
After a 11-year career with Goodwill, Carol took some time off following the unexpected death of her husband. Goodwill later welcomed her back and she now works as a vocational evaluator / case manager, where she helps people learn about their skills and re-enter the workforce. "I firmly believe that each and every one of us understands Goodwill’s mission, and that we live it each and every day," she says.
My Story: Amanda Ferraris and Shayla Cajero
Amanda Ferraris serves as a mentor for Shayla Cajero through Goodwill of Southern Arizona's GoodGuides youth mentoring program.
