After receiving post-secondary training, Nick was unable to find a job and was contemplating moving back to where he grew up, where he'd have to give up his friends and his independence. He was referred to Goodwill, where an employment counselor helped him update his resume and submit applications. He landed a seasonal part-time job at Lowe's and was later hired full time. He now loves his job and the independence it affords him.
Tag: Job Readiness
My Story: Traci McMartin
Before coming to Goodwill ,Traci was in an abusive relationship with her children's father and spent time in prison for helping him distribute drugs. She transitioned to a halfway house after prison, and learned about Goodwill's training programs from a co-worker. Through employment with Goodwill and support from her colleagues, Traci began building a steady life and career, and now plans to become an advocate for the rights of women and children.
Texas Goodwill® Expands Veteran Services to Accommodate Needs
Houston Goodwill® launched its Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program six years ago, and quickly learned that groups of veterans had different needs. The agency now serves females who are homeless, individuals who have recently left the military and those who have been incarcerated.
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Community Partners Collaborate to Secure Success for Veterans
The Atlanta Goodwill® relies on its community partners to fully meet the needs of veterans. While Goodwill’s expertise is employment services, other local organizations, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, provide health care, housing assistance and more. Each week, the Goodwill hosts a roundtable, during which veterans can learn about available services.
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My Story: Karen Owens
For 23 years, Karen Owens spent her life caring for others as an RN. She was proud to help those who were critically ill and support their families through difficult times. After being diagnosed with a psychological disability, Karen found the demands and stress of her job too difficult to continue. She decided to find an alternate path to make a fresh start for herself by going back to school for ultrasonography, and began taking computer courses at Goodwill Industries of Knoxville to help prepare for her return to college.
My Story: Sam Olmo
As a high school student, Sam participated in a work experience program with Goodwill that taught him valuable job skills. He continued to work with Goodwill after graduation, and his great work ethic earned him the position of team leader. An employee specialist at his local agency saw how hardworking Sam was and helped him advance in his career by connecting him with a position as a mail clerk at Medco. Sam says he now enjoys being able to provide for himself and his mother, and is proud of his newfound independence. Read on to hear Sam tell his story.
Florida Buddies Get One-on-One Career Training at Goodwill®
Long-time friends Dwight Murphy and Bobby Bowers, both 23, dream of being in the music industry. They are realistic enough to know that they need to make a living while they pursue that dream, and turned to Goodwill of the Big Bend’s Career Training Center to explore their options.
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People with Disabilities Are an Asset to the Workplace
In order to get the highest return on investment, Goodwill® knows that businesses need to hire the right workers. Employees with disabilities represent skilled workers in all industries, who are capable of confronting challenges and solving problems, and are receiving the training that modern businesses require. During National Disability Employment Awareness Month and beyond, Goodwill Industries International encourages the public and private sectors to hire applicants with disabilities and benefit from the unique talents they bring to the workplace. For decades, Goodwill agencies throughout North America have trained and hired people with disabilities to work in Goodwill stores, donation centers and career centers as well as in emerging fields outside of Goodwill including healthcare, green industries and financial services. Read on to learn about two people with disabilities who are succeeding in the workforce with support from Goodwill.
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My Story: Darrell Hughes
Before coming to Goodwill, Darrell was in a drug court program where he had to attend mandatory drug screens and sure that he was on time for all of his appointments. Ninety days into the program, a counselor told him about Goodwill and the services that could help him get back on his feet. He joined the Goodwill's Access to Recovery program, which provided him with free counseling services and other work supports like bus tokens. Thanks to his own resolve and the support of Goodwill, Darrell has been sober for more than three years, and holds a paying job that allows him to provide for his family.
My Story: Edward Robinson
Last year, Edward Robinson didn't have a job and found himself living on the streets. He was recovering from an addiction to drugs and alcohol; even though he had gotten clean and sober, he felt like he had nowhere to go. After being referred to Goodwill through rehabilitation services, Edward gained not only a job, but the opportunity to get his life back on track. Staff at Goodwill worked with Edward to help him achieve what he wanted in life and kept him working. He says his biggest accomplishment is finding an apartment to live in, and he looks forward to helping other people who are currently struggling to succeed.
