Things hit an all-time low for Brad in 2014. His wife passed away, and he needed to move out of the home they once shared. After struggling with substance abuse for months, Brad sought treatment. During his treatment, he set a goal that he wanted to get a job and better his life. This is when a family member told Brad about Goodwill having programs and services for individuals seeking employment. Brad realized he would need help to reach his goal of finding a job, so he attended an information session at Goodwill.
Category: My Story
My Story: Yashika Jones
The United States Department of Labor defines a non-traditional career for women as one in which 25% or less of those employed in the field are women. Yashika Jones has been a part of that statistic for nearly 14 years. While living in Connecticut, Jones was employed by the Sheet Metal Union. Working in this industry can often times be demanding, with long hours and unpredictable weather conditions.
My Story: Debora Holmes
Former Receptionist Earns a College Degree and a Promotion at Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana.
My Story: Dan Newberry
Dan Newberry, Manager of Goodwill’s E-cycle Operations, joined the Army right after high school, expecting to complete a lifelong military career. That plan ended abruptly in 2012. Honorably discharged due to a medical-related disability, Dan soon found himself adrift. "I went from having a sense of responsibility, pride and direction in life, to nothing. It was incredibly difficult," he recalled.
Goodwill Job Search Comes Full Circle for Military Spouse
Patriece Fountain was on move number seven when she and her family came to Hampton Roads in October 2017. As a military spouse, this was nothing new. While constant relocation was something she could manage, the effect it had on her employment was beyond her control.
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20-Year Navy Veteran Brings Leadership Skills to Goodwill
Grandberry relies on his military training every day working at Goodwill. As the Regional Facilities Manager for the Hampton Roads region, he oversees 15 retail stores and six attended donation centers.
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My Story: Tim Zarzecki
At age 52, Timothy Zarzecki has found a place — and a purpose — through his job in food services at a military base in Virginia Beach, VA. Born with a physical disability and diagnosed with depression, he was out of work when he connected with Goodwill® at a career fair. The Goodwill team helped place him in a position he loves, and since his first day, he has demonstrated a positive attitude, a willingness to tackle any task and natural leadership ability. For those reasons, Goodwill Industries International honored Zarzecki as its 2018 Achiever of the Year.
My Story: Jeremy Johnson
When Jeremy Johnson first came to Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth, he started out in facility-based contracts and then transitioned to the S.T.A.R.S. program when it was launched in March 2016. S.T.A.R.S. is a unique day-habilitation program for adults with significant disabilities that recreates daily living scenarios to give participants a chance to learn real-life skills to overcome their disadvantages and achieve maximum independence. Despite the limitations to his muscles from cerebral palsy, Jeremy got the opportunity to work in e-books, a division of Goodwill Industries Fort Worth’s e-commerce department, because of his level of participation in the S.T.A.R.S. program, his willingness to work and his personal goals.
My Story: Paula Buford
Retired Nurse Pursues a Second Career. Paula Buford was a Qualified Medication Aide for 25 years, working primarily in nursing homes. In 2000, she was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a disorder resulting in varying degrees of paralysis. She went from working in a nursing home to living in one for seven months, receiving intense physical and speech therapy.
My Story: Miika Montonen
I have found my career after many turns, and I have worked at Goodwill Hamina in Finland for a while now. At first, I studied IT in vocational school, but after graduating, I couldn’t find a job in that field. After that, I was unemployed. I worked on some short-term contracts and continued my studies.
My Story: Nancy Ramos-Sanchez
When Nancy Ramos-Sanchez was 16, she and her family went to Mexico on a summer vacation. She spent most of that summer with a boy she met there and decided that she would run away with him right before her family was due to return to the states. As her family left for Texas, Nancy
My Story: Derrick Powe
Derrick Powe has been with Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana for nearly six years, beginning as a groundskeeper and now working in Commercial Services as part of the Janitorial Services Program. Derrick is a valued member of his team, proving his dependability through his punctuality and work ethic. He constantly seeks to improve his skills and has earned a reputation for being an employee to watch for excellence.
