Vander saw his opportunities slowly fading away from him as a senior in high school. His teachers connected him with Goodwill's Project Search, which taught him the skills he needed to interview and land an internship. His last internship led to permanent employment. He credits Goodwill for helping him achieve things he once thought were impossible.
Tag: Job Readiness
My Story: Luis Miguel Soto
Before coming to Goodwill, Luis had a hard time finding a job with his disability and felt useless. He was referred to Goodwill and, after a year and a half, was placed in stable employment where he gets to help other people. He now feels his life has a purpose.
My Story: Nikkinta Murphy
When Nikkinta was released from prison, she needed a job but didn't know where to turn. Project Re-entry, an initiative between Goodwill and other organizations, taught her how to look for a job, fill out an application and interview. After finding a job, Nikkinta now says "Never give up on yourself, no matter what happens."
Five Goodwills to Train Homeless Veterans for Jobs with DOL Grants
Five Goodwill® agencies were among recipients of the latest round of grants under the U.S. Department of Labor's Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program Grants. The agencies collectively earned more than $1 million in funding to help provide homeless veterans with job training to help them succeed in civilian careers.
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Goodwill® Affirms Commitment to Youth Education, Employment
At least one in six youth ages 16-24 — or more than 6.7 million young people — are unemployed and not in school. In December 2010, President Obama called upon 25 leaders, including Goodwill Industries International President and CEO Jim Gibbons, from the private, nonprofit and government sectors to address key community challenges and create opportunities for these youth and help them find paths to training, support and jobs.
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My Story: Kim Kershaw
Kim Kershaw was unemployed and helping her mother recover from several strokes when she realized she'd like to work in the health care field. With support from a Goodwill Columbus scholarship, she trained and passed her nursing test with flying colors and now works for Goodwill taking care of residents in the agency's Residential Services for Developmental Disabilities program.
My Story: Earl and Christel Hurley
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.
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.
Local Goodwill Prepares Youth with Disabilities for Adult Life
Nineteen-year-old Sarah Yoncoskie is getting hands-on experience at Christiana Hospital – part of the largest health care system in Delaware. Yoncoskie participates in Goodwill's Project SEARCH, a program that combines work experience with training in employability and independent living skills to help young adults with disabilities make successful transitions from school to adult life.
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