Doctors advised Earl Hurley and his wife to put their daughter Christel, who has a developmental disability, in an institution. They rejected the recommendation and became committed to helping their daughter lead a full life. Christel became involved with Goodwill in 1994 and has since proved her capabilities, earning promotions and raises. Although Earl says he worries about what will happen to her when he and his wife pass away, he no longer has to worry about keeping her employed, thanks to Goodwill.
Category: My Story
My Story: Lonnie Willis Jr.
After growing up in a life of alcohol, drugs and violence, Lonnie found himself incarcerated. During his time in prison, he decided to turn his life around for the better - a decision which eventually led him to Goodwill. Lonnie benefited from employment training programs and is now proud to work as an attendant at one of Goodwill's attended donation centers.
My Story: Will Place
Born with osteogenesis imperfecta, Will faced a childhood of broken bones followed by bone cancer which caused him to lose his left arm. Employers were reluctant to hire him with these disabilities. At Goodwill, Will learned to be more independent and successfully train for call center work with simple accommodations. He looks forward to an impending job interview and entering the workforce.
My Story: Jim Barnette
Before coming to Goodwill, Jim worked many different jobs for little-to-no pay. He came to Goodwill at age 40 and was given the opportunity to learn several jobs in the production and contracts department. He quickly proved his abilities and was promoted to working in the store. He is happy to be earning and saving money, and to have funds to buy record albums and go on dates with his girlfriend.
My Story: Eddie Leonard
Eddie's productive life went downhill when he started experimenting with drugs and alcohol. After being referred to Goodwill, he fell in love with the agency and earned a position as the floor care manager.
My Story: Jarvin Dorsey
After being paralyzed in a drive-by shooting, high school football player Jarvin Dorsey was forced to rexamine his education and life plans. In his story, he shares how his journey took him to Goodwill's Work Adjustment Training program and how he's now helping others get their lives back on track.
My Story: Andi Petley
Andi Petley never thought of herself as an "overcomer." After battling a drug addition that lost her custody of her children, she knew a change had to be made. Hear how Andi overcame her fears and took back her life with support from Goodwill®.
My Story: Robert Williamson
After serving in the U.S. Army, Robert became addicted to alcohol and lived on the streets for five years. He was referred to a rehabilitation program following some legal troubles, a stint which ultimately led him to Goodwill's Veterans Integration Program (VIP). With the program's support and encouragement, Robert was hired to work at the Goodwill, eventually rising to the rank of VIP program manager. "Their belief in me has allowed me to pas along my courage, strength and hope to other veterans facing the same challenges I faced not too long ago," he says.
My Story: Tierra Scott
Tierra was hanging around with the wrong crowds before she joined a Goodwill program for youth. In the program, she found the encouragement she needed to apply and land a job and the connections that later helped her find employment with the Goodwill itself. She says, "Goodwill gave me a chance to prove myself and what I can do. I have developed a wonderful extended family, and I have become a successful professional.
My Story: Cornelius Furr, Sr.
Following time in prison, Cornelius faced challenges finding employment and was barely making ends meet. He heard about the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), managed in his community by Goodwill, where he learned valuable work skills and gained motivation to go to college. He credits the program and Goodwill for helping him get back on his feet.
My Story: Daniel Watson
Daniel Watson, who is deaf, previously owned a vending machine business in Alabama; however, business slowed down and he began losing money. He closed the business and moved to Marietta, GA, where he worked several jobs for short periods of time but could not maintain employment.
My Story: Gradlin Davenport
Gradlin grew up in a tough area of Shreveport, LA where gang influence, frequent fights and peer pressure took its toll. After dropping out of high school, Gradlin was arrested for robbery. While incarcerated, Gradlin become involved with Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana. Hear how Gradlin overcome his criminal background and is now on a path to success.
