In the spirit of Older Americans Month, we honor the inspiring story of William, whose life took a remarkable turn upon walking into the Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida (Fort Myers). William’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of community support and personal determination.
Category: My Story
My Goodwill Story – Roy
In celebration of Military Appreciation Month, we are spotlighting the story of Roy, a veteran who came into MERS Missouri Goodwill Industries (St. Louis) for support. Roy’s introduction to Goodwill’s services came through his church and the local Veterans Affairs office which led him to the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). This program, designed for older Americans, combines community service with work-based job training, offering a platform for growth and contribution.
My Goodwill Story: Dekota
As we commemorated Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month this March, it's essential to recognize stories of inclusion, empowerment and the remarkable achievements of individuals like Dekota. His journey with Goodwill Industries of Arkansas exemplifies the transformative impact of providing opportunities and support to individuals with disabilities, reaffirming the importance of inclusivity in our communities.
My Goodwill Story: Jennifer
Ambition, resilience and the determination to overcome challenges define Jennifer's journey toward a brighter future. Jennifer, an ecommerce associate at Goodwill Industries of the Upstate/Midlands South Carolina (Greenville), has faced obstacles that could have hindered her progress. However, her story is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and the support provided by Goodwill® programs like Careers Plus.
My Goodwill Story: Desteny Malone
Resilience, determination and the unwavering pursuit of dreams. Those values are core to how Desteny lives her life today. As a young single mother who didn’t finish high school, she faced numerous challenges, but she refused to let adversity define her path. Instead, she found the Young Adult Opportunity Center (YAOC) at Goodwill Kentucky (Louisville) and began her journey toward success.
My Goodwill Story: Ayanna Scott
The job search can be difficult for anyone; the pressure of an interview, the financial worry and even the process of finding the right fit are daunting. For some, that process is compounded by other struggles. Ayanna was searching for a job and coming up empty-handed, partly because of her past involvement with justice.
My Goodwill Story: Tyler
Tyler was looking for a new job. He didn’t just want any job. He wanted what many of us search for: a job with good pay and healthcare benefits. For Tyler, that search had an extra requirement. He needed a job that could accommodate his hearing impairment. He wasn’t quite sure where to start, but then his mom recommended he check out Goodwill.
My Goodwill Story: Darren
This time of year, amidst the hustle and bustle, we’re all thinking about how much we must be thankful for. After all, that’s what Thanksgiving is all about. With that in mind, we want to share the story of someone thankful for the new direction he has been able to take his life.
My Goodwill Story: Troy
Troy was looking for something new. He worked as a security guard for the past 15 years but craved a new beginning. While trying to find new positions, he felt that living in Southern Texas and not speaking Spanish disadvantaged him. He also knew that a new career would mean some additional education that he couldn’t afford.
My Goodwill Story: Angela
Some people are destined for greatness. Two years ago, Angela might not have thought that about herself. She was involved with the court system and unsure what path to take. When talking to a friend, she heard about some of the services offered at Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Angela was particularly interested in LifeLaunch: Ignite. She enrolled in the program, looking for assistance with furthering her education and finding employment.
My Goodwill Story: Cassy Swindle
This month, we celebrated National Digital Inclusion Week. If you haven’t heard of this commemorative week before, it focuses on the concept that “everyone deserves the opportunity to use technology to live, learn, work and thrive.” At Goodwill®, we’ve seen first-hand how digital skills can change someone’s life.
My Story: Pamela Johnson
Goodwill® is celebrating National Employ Older Workers Week – September 24 – 30, 2023 – which recognizes the vital role of older workers in the workforce and innovative strategies to increase awareness of this community. After multiple strenuous job searches, Pamela felt further away from her dream than ever. She cared deeply about her community and always saw herself in a career where she could focus on improving the world.
