Tierra was hanging around with the wrong crowds before she joined a Goodwill program for youth. In the program, she found the encouragement she needed to apply and land a job and the connections that later helped her find employment with the Goodwill itself. She says, "Goodwill gave me a chance to prove myself and what I can do. I have developed a wonderful extended family, and I have become a successful professional.
Category: My Story
My Story: Cornelius Furr, Sr.
Following time in prison, Cornelius faced challenges finding employment and was barely making ends meet. He heard about the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), managed in his community by Goodwill, where he learned valuable work skills and gained motivation to go to college. He credits the program and Goodwill for helping him get back on his feet.
My Story: Daniel Watson
Daniel Watson, who is deaf, previously owned a vending machine business in Alabama; however, business slowed down and he began losing money. He closed the business and moved to Marietta, GA, where he worked several jobs for short periods of time but could not maintain employment.
My Story: Gradlin Davenport
Gradlin grew up in a tough area of Shreveport, LA where gang influence, frequent fights and peer pressure took its toll. After dropping out of high school, Gradlin was arrested for robbery. While incarcerated, Gradlin become involved with Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana. Hear how Gradlin overcome his criminal background and is now on a path to success.
My Story: Sarah Carter
Sarah knew that she wanted to work, but wasn't sure where to start and was afraid employers wouldn't understand her disability. After her mom connected her to Goodwill, Sarah learned to identify her skills and target jobs that were well-suited for her. Her job coach helped her apply for and earn a job, and she now looks forward to growing in her position and challenging herself to do more as time goes on.
My Story: Rafael Munoz
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.
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: Joette Estep
Joette was working in the retail industry and feeling financially and physically stressed when she decided to contact Goodwill about its medical office skills training program. There, she gained the confidence and computer skills she needed to be successful. As part of the program, she completed an internship, which later led to her finding full-time employment with great benefits at age 60.
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: Gabi Argotti
Gabi came to Goodwill as a single mom, surviving on welfare with limited work experience, and little computer and office skills. While participating in the agency's Customer Service Supply Chain program, she gained valuable computer skills that would lead to a job as a part-time receptionist, and eventually as a full-time administrative assistant, at the agency. She is now attending college and is proud to be a positive role model for her daughter.
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: Robbie Thomas
Eleven years ago, Robbie was living on the streets of Los Angeles with nowhere to turn. After being referred to Goodwill, she took a free computer class -- a move which gave her the skills she needed to be hired as an administrative assistant at the agency. She now works as an employment services specialist, helping people who were once in her shoes empower themselves through work.
