After surviving an assault, and bout with breast cancer, Samantha's outlook on life was left with very little hope. Ready for her life to get back on track Samantha took an opportunity through Goodwill's Work Adjustment Training program. Through this program Samantha was able to gain employment and rebuild hope for her future.
Category: My Story
My Story – David Majors
David learned more than he bargained for when he volunteered at his local Goodwill making phone calls. He quickly started to realize the impact he was having on those in his community. After only six weeks he had gained an an understanding and perspective that would change his life.
My Story: Liz Morris
When Liz Morris began to lose her vision, she lost her independence. Not one to give up in light of a challenge, she gained the knowledge needed to begin her new life. After 10 years of unemployment Liz reached out to Goodwill for help to jumpstart her professional career.
My Story: Tanyel Johnson
Tanyel quit her job to attend to the needs of her children, specifically, her son with a disability, while her husband worked. Not working caused her to fall into a depression. She saw a commercial for Goodwill's services and later connected with the agency in Omaha for a six-month customer service training. She landed an internship,which then led to permanent employment that allows her to still attend to her son's needs when needed.
My Story – Cody Pacht
After high school, Cody was excited to start the next phase of his life but didn't know where to begin. He connected with the Colorado Springs' "Pursuits" program, where he gained confidence and built his job skills. At the conclusion of the program, he found a job at a local car dealership. "Now that I look back and see how far I have come and how much I have achieved, I realize that there is nothing out of my reach," he says.
My Story – Veena Sharma
A debilitating back injury forced Veena to have to leave her warehouse job where she'd been working for 15 years. She was referred to Goodwill, where she improved her computer skills and later served as a volunteer. She was later hired by Goodwill in February 2001 and has worked there ever since. "Anyone that is given a chance and puts forth an effort can move forward," she says.
My Story: Haley Paone
As an adolescent, Haley struggled to progress along her educational path due to her bipolar disorder, but eventually gained her high school diploma and secured a job. Unable to maintain the position, she began working with the Department of Rehabilitation Services, who connected her with Goodwill. There, as part of the "Let's Go to Work!" program, she built her job readiness skills and was eventually hired in a cashier position. "I know without the help and support of my job coach in Goodwill I would have never been able to move into a competitive job," she says.
My Story: Nikkinta Murphy
Nikkinta knew she was in for a journey as she left incarceration and started to look for work -- she just wasn't sure where to start. After participating in a Goodwill job readiness program, she obtained a machine operator job and has been steadily working her way up the career ladder since. "You should never judge what you’ve done in the past. The first step is to forgive yourself — because if you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will," she says.
My Story: Liera Williams
Liera, a single mother of three, found herself struggling to find a job and support her family -- at times staying with friends and family when her housing situation became unstable. Through the Seattle Goodwill's Green Corps program, she is building skills that will help her advance her career and provide for her family. "If you're a single mom that's looking for work, don't listen to people that tell you can't do it. I can be your motivation," she says.
My Story: Vincent Barnes
Vincent, a sixth generation military service member, faced unemployment and homelessness after transitioning into civilian employment. He got a new start after connecting with Goodwill Industries of Houston. He says, "This program is a blessing, it really is. It has helped so many different people out in so many different situations. It’s a life‑changing experience. You get to start all over. It’s hard to imagine that anyone would have such a big heart or that a program out here in the United States would exist.
My Story – Rebecca Gutierrez
After transitioning out of the military, Rebecca tried to get an administrative job using the same skills she honed while in service, but encountered employers who were reluctant to hire someone without a degree. She connected with Goodwill in Orange County, where she found employment and regained her sense of self-sufficiency. "Goodwill provided me not only financial stability, but also training and education. I'm learning new skills every day and I’m honestly really happy to be there," she says.
My Story – Shay Felder
Prior to receiving Goodwill services, Shay led a hectic life as the sole provider for her children. Now that she has a new career in the construction industry, she says her family looks up to her as a role model and mentor.
