Linda Sutton had a difficult upbringing and history of drug use as well as a criminal background. With the help of Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette, she was able to turn her life around and is helping others to do the same.
Category: My Story
My Story: Gina Casteal
When Gina Casteal walked into Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth looking for job training, she and her four children were homeless. They had been bouncing around different living arrangements, sometimes living with friends and family, and even living out of her car for a period of time. Their home had been foreclosed on when she was unable to pay the mortgage, and she needed help to get back on her feet.
My Story: Dania Velazquez
Dania Velazquez knew she needed training and certifications to verify her skills and get started on her chosen career path, but her work schedule did not allow her to attend traditional classes. The first step on her journey was to attend a local hiring event, where she learned of the Goodwill Industries of Tulsa (OK) TulsaWORKS Google IT Support Professional Certificate program.
My Story: Charlie Rutherford
Charlie Rutherford was born with an intellectual developmental disability (IDD), and, for more than 25 years, he has worked for Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth in its Denton store.
My Story: Jeanne Najar-Marez
When Jeanne Najar-Marez applied to the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) at Goodwill Industries of New Mexico (Albuquerque), she was looking for a resource to assist her with job training and employment. She had been out of the workforce for several years and had dealt with illness, homelessness and substance abuse during that time. She was on the waiting list in Bernalillo County, NM, for several months before she was able to enroll into SCSEP.
My Story: Toni Meador
When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down much of the United States early in 2020, Toni Meador found herself among the millions who were suddenly without work. Like many, a pandemic-related layoff was not the only challenge she was facing. Toni was working to recover from identity theft and leaving an abusive marriage. She did not have transportation and lacked other supports, such as housing to keep herself and her son safe.
My Story: Patrick Curtis
This past year has been one of transition for Patrick Curtis. After working for his family business for nearly 10 years, he discovered Goodwill’s Careers in Technology (CiT) program in the fall of 2019. At that time, he viewed a Goodwill® mission moment that was shared at a board of directors meeting for the YMCA Express at Gainsboro. Not only did the mission moment spark Patrick’s interest, but it also provided him with the realization that he could have the opportunity to work where his passion lies — in information technology.
My Story: Wesley Chenoweth
A native of Liberia, Wesley Chenoweth is pursuing the American entrepreneurial dream, and credits his experience with Goodwill of North Georgia’s GoodBiz program for helping him find the path to success. Goodwill of North Georgia awarded his company, Grizzly Delivery, LLC, with its 2020 Micro-Business of the Year award in recognition of his firm’s achievements.
My Story: Larry Dominguez
Veteran Larry Dominguez had been out of work for the past year and on unemployment benefits when the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily closed many businesses in Las Vegas. The perfect storm impacted Larry, causing him to feel depressed about being unemployed, under skilled and without income.
My Story: Tremontenia Morgan
I walked through the Goodwill doors with a high school education, limited computer proficiency, and often could be quiet and reserved. I always knew I had a passionate spirit and love to help others, but I needed assistance on becoming more engaging with the general public in a workforce setting.
My Story: Weston Orf
Weston Orf had recently been laid off from his former employer a few months before coming to Goodwill®. After initially learning about Goodwill’s digital skills training through a family member, he visited his local Goodwill organization, Discover Goodwill of Southern and Western Colorado, and enrolled in CompTIA Security+ training.
My Story: Michael McDade
Michael McDade’s life had already been changed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but when he awoke on the morning of March 22, his world actually looked different.
