Sarah knew that she wanted to work, but wasn't sure where to start and was afraid employers wouldn't understand her disability. After her mom connected her to Goodwill, Sarah learned to identify her skills and target jobs that were well-suited for her. Her job coach helped her apply for and earn a job, and she now looks forward to growing in her position and challenging herself to do more as time goes on.
Category: My Story
My Story: Rafael Munoz
Rafael was in New York City when the attacks on 9/11 took place, and later developed health problems and other challenges including PTSD, agoraphobia and depression. After spending time in prison, he found himself homeless and unable to find a job to get his life back on track. While living at a facility for individuals with psychological disabilities, he was referred to Goodwill for support finding a job. He started working two days a week at Goodwill, and is now working full-time and learning to help others instead of focusing on his own worries.
My Story: Vic King
Vic started his adult life on the wrong track when he didn't complete high school and started selling drugs to make ends meet. He served time in prison, but thanks to parenting classes he took while incarcerated, he regained custody of his kids upon his release. He began working at Goodwill, where he has gradually been given more responsibilities. He is also taking advantage of financial strengthening classes, and is working towards completing his GED so he can be the best role model he can be for his children.
My Story: Joette Estep
Joette was working in the retail industry and feeling financially and physically stressed when she decided to contact Goodwill about its medical office skills training program. There, she gained the confidence and computer skills she needed to be successful. As part of the program, she completed an internship, which later led to her finding full-time employment with great benefits at age 60.
My Story: Richard LeCount
Richard LeCount was raised by his grandparents after his mother abandoned him and his father died when he was one. He started using drugs early and became involved in a cycle of substance abuse and incarceration. After deciding to better his life, he got connected with Goodwill Industries of Michiana, where he impressed his supervisors and was gradually given more responsibilities. Today, he is holding down steady employment, has been sober for seven years and has made amends with his family.
My Story: Gabi Argotti
Gabi came to Goodwill as a single mom, surviving on welfare with limited work experience, and little computer and office skills. While participating in the agency's Customer Service Supply Chain program, she gained valuable computer skills that would lead to a job as a part-time receptionist, and eventually as a full-time administrative assistant, at the agency. She is now attending college and is proud to be a positive role model for her daughter.
My Story: Calvin Okeson
Calvin had retired with a long and successful job history, but realized he wasn't quite ready to leave the workforce completely. After struggling to use online job search tools and find a job with his criminal background, he sought assistance from Rappahannock Goodwill Industries. There, he acquired valuable job search and networking skills which helped him get hired on to a new position.
My Story: Robbie Thomas
Eleven years ago, Robbie was living on the streets of Los Angeles with nowhere to turn. After being referred to Goodwill, she took a free computer class -- a move which gave her the skills she needed to be hired as an administrative assistant at the agency. She now works as an employment services specialist, helping people who were once in her shoes empower themselves through work.
My Story: Jungsoo Jung
Before joining the Goodwill Processing Center in South Korea, Jungsoo Jung faced daily anxiety working for an employer who was not sensitive to the needs of individuals with disabilities. He joined Goodwill after hearing about it through his church group, and now reports being treated well and enjoying his daily work He says he looks forward to continuing to build his job skills, and saving money to buy a house and give back to his family. He also hopes to one day be able to visit the United States.
나의 이야기: 정정수
굿윌 물류센터에 취직하기 전에는, 정정수씨는 매일 긴장하며 출근했습니다. 전 상사는 장애를 갖은 사람들에 대한 배려가 없었기때문입니다. 정정수씨는 교회 청년부를 통해 굿윌에 대해 알게 되어서 최근에는 일을 즐기면서 잘 지내고 계신답니다. 정정수씨는 자신의 기술을 쌓고, 돈을 많이 벌어서 집도 사고 가족분들께 나누고싶다고합니다. 또 미국으로 여행도 가시고싶답니다.
My Story: Azziale Arnold
Azziale was born with cerebral palsy, a condition that required yearly corrective surgeries as an adolescent and caused circulation problems, partial blindness and limpness in one leg. She was also diagnosed with lupus and osteoporosis at age 17. Despite these challenges, Azziale graduated high school and completed a four-year registered nursing degree. When work as a home health nurse proved too stressful, she connected with Goodwill and learned medical and billing skills that enabled her to find work as a patient accounts representative.
My Story: Tyrone Coleman
Before coming to Goodwill, Tyrone had been out of work for almost two years -- he had exhausted his unemployment benefits and had depleted his 401(K) to pay for his house. Though he had a college degree, his skill set was out of date. Tyrone connected with Goodwill, who supported him in gaining multiple IT certifications. He now works full-time for the agency and is thankful to be able to provide for his family.
