Rafael was in New York City when the attacks on 9/11 took place, and later developed health problems and other challenges including PTSD, agoraphobia and depression. After spending time in prison, he found himself homeless and unable to find a job to get his life back on track. While living at a facility for individuals with psychological disabilities, he was referred to Goodwill for support finding a job. He started working two days a week at Goodwill, and is now working full-time and learning to help others instead of focusing on his own worries.
Tag: People with Criminal Backgrounds
My Story: Vic King
Vic started his adult life on the wrong track when he didn't complete high school and started selling drugs to make ends meet. He served time in prison, but thanks to parenting classes he took while incarcerated, he regained custody of his kids upon his release. He began working at Goodwill, where he has gradually been given more responsibilities. He is also taking advantage of financial strengthening classes, and is working towards completing his GED so he can be the best role model he can be for his children.
My Story: Richard LeCount
Richard LeCount was raised by his grandparents after his mother abandoned him and his father died when he was one. He started using drugs early and became involved in a cycle of substance abuse and incarceration. After deciding to better his life, he got connected with Goodwill Industries of Michiana, where he impressed his supervisors and was gradually given more responsibilities. Today, he is holding down steady employment, has been sober for seven years and has made amends with his family.
My Story: Calvin Okeson
Calvin had retired with a long and successful job history, but realized he wasn't quite ready to leave the workforce completely. After struggling to use online job search tools and find a job with his criminal background, he sought assistance from Rappahannock Goodwill Industries. There, he acquired valuable job search and networking skills which helped him get hired on to a new position.
My Story: Kristy Ballew
After being abandoned by her mother and losing her father, Kristy fell into a new family of friends that used drugs and alcohol. In and out of rehab houses, she made the choice to give her newborn twin girls up for adoption to give them a better life. She successfully completed rehab and got sober, and was referred to Goodwill after moving into a halfway house. Goodwill connected her to a permanent job that she loves and, in addition to being a mother to her son, she's now studying to take her GED with the goal of attending college to work in drug counseling.
Goodwill® Helps Youth Set Education, Employment Goals
Female Goodwill staff member counsels female African-American youth.When given guidance and support, a young person can learn new skills, become a hard-working employee and succeed in life. That’s the philosophy of the Crossroads Reintegration Program at Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana (Shreveport). The program helps youth ages 12 to 21 with their personal growth and goals, assuring a smooth transition from secured placement facilities back into their homes and communities.
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My Story: Tounta Adams
Unable to find work or a place to live, Tounta Adams moved her husband and children in with her parents. She didn't know how she was going to support her family and prayed nightly to find a solution to her situation. Welfare services referred her to Goodwill who hooked her up with transportation and clothing vouchers, and diapers. She enrolled in the agency's community job program and is now a proud Goodwill employee who is on track to getting her own place to live again.
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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Two Florida Mothers Take Pride in Earning High School Diplomas
Leslie Hudson and Christall Peavy committed to earning their high school diplomas. So pride in their own accomplishments was evident when the two Florida women, who recently earned their diplomas from Goodwill Industries Big Bend’s Career Training Center, were interviewed for the Panama City News Herald. “Now that I have a high school diploma, a lot of doors are opened to me,” said Hudson, 31, and the mother of three.
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