Tag: Goodwill Employees

An increasing number of Americans are using the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday to honor Dr. King’s legacy by volunteering in their communities. The holiday takes place on January 21, 2013, this year, the same day as U.S. President Barack Obama’s second inauguration. Volunteers are using this day as ‘a day on, not a day off’ to address the needs in their communities and help create solutions to social problems. Local Goodwill® agencies are engaging volunteers on this day for a number of community service projects.

READ MORE from Goodwills to Engage Volunteers During Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service

Christopher had a desire to be independent and earn his own money, but his disability posed an obstacle in finding and maintaining long-term employment. After connecting with Goodwill, his confidence and attitude began to improve. He now believes in his potential and says, "Because I am successful at work, I feel better about myself."

READ MORE from My Story: Christopher Smallwood

After falling in with the wrong crowd, Michael ended up in prison for 22 months. When he was released, he was determined to make a chance. He connected with Goodwill in Indiana and now works as a team lead for cleaning and janitorial services at the local VA hospital. "I try to be positive and help people," Michael says. "I love my job and those around me."

READ MORE from My Story: Michael Harper, Jr.

Goodwill employee holds supportive sign for troops.This year, employees at Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska (Grand Island) are sending gifts to 25 U.S. Marines stationed in Afghanistan. A few years ago, Goodwill employees opted to forgo the office gift exchange in favor of providing gifts for others in need. Since then, more and more Goodwill employees and program participants are getting involved. This year’s decision to send gifts to Marines has become one of the Grand Island Goodwill’s biggest efforts yet to help people outside of the local community.

READ MORE from Greater Nebraska Goodwill Sends Holiday Gifts to Marines in Afghanistan

Through numerous life and health challenges, Goodwill has been a constant in Joy's life. She says, "I can feel myself smiling, laughing and healing, and I truly feel cared about. This place is my therapy."

READ MORE from My Story: Joy Henry

When Samantha came to Goodwill, she had no work experience. "Goodwill has taught me to be a team player and to take pride in my work," Samantha says.

READ MORE from My Story: Samantha Lawhorne

When Laura landed a job at Goodwill's leadership office out of graduate school, she was excited to be able to advocate on behalf of Goodwill and the people it serves. "I know our democracy works, and I've seen firsthand how the collective voice of supporters can influence policymakers," Laura says. "I am honored to be one of our loudest voices."

READ MORE from My Story: Laura Walling

Working at Goodwill has given Isis more than a chance at a paycheck -- it has given her a chance to advance her career and provide for her family. Programs such as leadership training and educational support have helped her come a long way in her life. She says, "I feel really good about the work I do. My work pays off every day."

READ MORE from My Story: Isis Truman

Wayne decided to leave behind his successful career with the Port of Trinidad in order to move to the United States and be with his newborn son. He found work as a manual labor, but was forced to stop after his doctors discovered he had congestive heart failure. With Goodwill's support, he found a position that allows him to use his skills while not risking his health.

READ MORE from My Story: Wayne Quamina

About a week ago, a retail sorter at Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast (Mobile, AL) upheld the core values of Goodwill® when he found $1,100 in a donated suit, turned it in to the manager and was able to return the money to its owner.

READ MORE from Goodwill® Employee Returns $1,100 Found in Donated Suit