Goodwill means more to me than a paycheck. It’s where I have grown and built my confidence for nearly 20 years. I learned by working at my local Goodwill to deal with life and get along with people. I’ve found a place where I’m comfortable. And I’ve found peace at work and happiness.
Tag: Disability Employment
My Story: Christopher Cockrell
I don’t think that I am doing anything out of the ordinary, just taking care of my household and doing what I am supposed to be doing. I have gone through the entire process because I don’t want my son to say that his dad has a disability so he couldn’t work. I want my son to say that his dad has a disability and he still works! I am playing with the cards that I was dealt and I can’t give up!
My Story: Mike Neuzerling
Mike is an inspiration to many. After a fire in the family home and the passing of his mother, his "revolution" began. Watch Mike's inspiring story which shows how he overcome challenges, gained employment, developed new relationships and became successful.
People With Disabilities Are Disproportionately Among the Out-of-Work
The well-documented decline in labor force participation (people who are either working or looking for work) suggests that the economy is not as robust as the low unemployment rate indicates, and a number of researchers have explored whether disabilities and health problems have played a role in the decline.
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My Story: Emmetri Beane
Following a brain aneurysm, two strokes and an epilepsy diagnosis, Emmetri Beane found employment and a supportive team at Rappahannock Goodwill Industries (Fredericksburg, VA).
My Story: Sarah Pine
My name is Sarah Pine. I am a single mother of three children, a grateful recovering addict with six years clean, and I have a learning disability. I grew up in an alcoholic home and started using drugs with my mother when I was nine years old.
Goodwill® Celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and Goodwill Industries International is proud to join service providers, advocacy groups and employers among other stakeholders, in acknowledging the importance of employees with disabilities as a vital component of the U.S. labor force. This year's theme, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor — "My Disability Is One Part of Who I Am" — underscores the fact that employees with disabilities bring a wide variety of skills to the table. However, it is evident that more work needs to be done to educate employers and support people with disabilities. Approximately one in five Americans has a disability and they make up nearly 20 percent of America's workforce, yet their unemployment rate is more than twice that of workers without disabilities.
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My Story: Josh MrKvicka
Despite some challenges stemming from a intellectual disability, Josh MrKvicka completed high school and looked forward to the next step…a job! Josh needed help tackling the job search. After trying another agency with no luck, Josh and his family gave Goodwill of Western Missouri & Eastern Kansas (Kansas City, MO) a try. He and Goodwill employment specialist, Jane Siela, went to work. He now works at Freddy’s Restaurant in St. Joseph, MO as a "Lobby Guy".
Career Success for Individuals with Disabilities
Having a disability doesn’t mean that you can’t also have a successful, fulfilling career. Programs, including accommodation and rehabilitation, exist to help you get back on the job or make the most of the job you have. Learn more about how to determine which career fits you and how you can succeed in it.
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My Story: Justin Newbern
Hi, my name is Justin Newbern and I work at ABVI-Goodwill (Rochester) in Geneseo, NY. I work in the wares department and at the donation door and I love my job! I learned how to pull and push items in the store, take out the garbage and do recycling. Running the donation door is my
