Earlier this week, NPR highlighted the struggles of low-income people in Reading, PA, and the nonprofit agencies that serve them. The day after the report was released, I visited Reading while visiting Goodwill Keystone Area to tour its new facility and meet people that Goodwill® who are overcoming their employment challenges with support from Goodwill.
READ MORE from Despite Hard Times, Goodwill® Works to Provide Opportunities
Thirty-one program participants with developmental disabilities have lost more than 165 pounds since August 2011, thanks to the ‘Get Fit Club’ health and exercise initiative implemented by Goodwill Industries-Suncoast (FL). To combat the weight gain and low energy participants experienced due to poor eating habits and a lack of exercise, the Goodwill® has added exercise breaks and nutrition education as part of their six-hour work shifts.
READ MORE from Workers with Disabilities Stay Fit in Florida Goodwill Health Program
Regardless of whether you support or oppose the Affordable Care Act / Obamacare/ health care reform or even understand the intricacies of the law and the implications of the Supreme Court’s decision, there is still one fact that remains the same – people need jobs.
READ MORE from Amid Health Care Reform Debate, Let's Not Forget about Jobs
Regardless of whether you support or oppose the Affordable Care Act / Obamacare/ health care reform or even understand the intricacies of the law and the implications of the Supreme Court’s decision, there is still one fact that remains the same – people need jobs.
READ MORE from Amid Health Care Reform Debate, Let’s Not Forget about Jobs
Al immigrated to the United States in 1989 and faced not only family hardships but retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic eye disease that caused him to lose his vision. Even with a graduate degree, he faced struggles finding a job due to his disability. With support from Goodwill, Al wsa connected to a job at a NY law firm and is now independent and self-sufficient.
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.
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.
Before coming to Goodwill, Jim worked many different jobs for little-to-no pay. He came to Goodwill at age 40 and was given the opportunity to learn several jobs in the production and contracts department. He quickly proved his abilities and was promoted to working in the store. He is happy to be earning and saving money, and to have funds to buy record albums and go on dates with his girlfriend.
Eddie's productive life went downhill when he started experimenting with drugs and alcohol. After being referred to Goodwill, he fell in love with the agency and earned a position as the floor care manager.
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.
READ MORE from Local Goodwill Prepares Youth with Disabilities for Adult Life
