I started having migraines at the age of three. When I was seven, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Surgery was performed and we thought everything was okay. The tumor came back when I was 12, and another surgery was performed. After surgery, I was partially paralyzed and could not speak. I had to
Category: My Story
My Story – Kylie Corp
During my school years I remember being an easy target because I was picked on a lot by the other kids. It got harder and harder for me to go to school, but I finally finished high school in 2007. I had no future plans and remained home with my family for the next three
My Story – Carol Newberry
After a 11-year career with Goodwill, Carol took some time off following the unexpected death of her husband. Goodwill later welcomed her back and she now works as a vocational evaluator / case manager, where she helps people learn about their skills and re-enter the workforce. "I firmly believe that each and every one of us understands Goodwill’s mission, and that we live it each and every day," she says.
My Story: Amanda Ferraris and Shayla Cajero
Amanda Ferraris serves as a mentor for Shayla Cajero through Goodwill of Southern Arizona's GoodGuides youth mentoring program.
My Story – Samantha de Roque
After surviving an assault, and bout with breast cancer, Samantha's outlook on life was left with very little hope. Ready for her life to get back on track Samantha took an opportunity through Goodwill's Work Adjustment Training program. Through this program Samantha was able to gain employment and rebuild hope for her future.
My Story – David Majors
David learned more than he bargained for when he volunteered at his local Goodwill making phone calls. He quickly started to realize the impact he was having on those in his community. After only six weeks he had gained an an understanding and perspective that would change his life.
My Story: Liz Morris
When Liz Morris began to lose her vision, she lost her independence. Not one to give up in light of a challenge, she gained the knowledge needed to begin her new life. After 10 years of unemployment Liz reached out to Goodwill for help to jumpstart her professional career.
My Story: Tanyel Johnson
Tanyel quit her job to attend to the needs of her children, specifically, her son with a disability, while her husband worked. Not working caused her to fall into a depression. She saw a commercial for Goodwill's services and later connected with the agency in Omaha for a six-month customer service training. She landed an internship,which then led to permanent employment that allows her to still attend to her son's needs when needed.
My Story – Cody Pacht
After high school, Cody was excited to start the next phase of his life but didn't know where to begin. He connected with the Colorado Springs' "Pursuits" program, where he gained confidence and built his job skills. At the conclusion of the program, he found a job at a local car dealership. "Now that I look back and see how far I have come and how much I have achieved, I realize that there is nothing out of my reach," he says.
My Story – Veena Sharma
A debilitating back injury forced Veena to have to leave her warehouse job where she'd been working for 15 years. She was referred to Goodwill, where she improved her computer skills and later served as a volunteer. She was later hired by Goodwill in February 2001 and has worked there ever since. "Anyone that is given a chance and puts forth an effort can move forward," she says.
My Story: Haley Paone
As an adolescent, Haley struggled to progress along her educational path due to her bipolar disorder, but eventually gained her high school diploma and secured a job. Unable to maintain the position, she began working with the Department of Rehabilitation Services, who connected her with Goodwill. There, as part of the "Let's Go to Work!" program, she built her job readiness skills and was eventually hired in a cashier position. "I know without the help and support of my job coach in Goodwill I would have never been able to move into a competitive job," she says.
My Story: Nikkinta Murphy
Nikkinta knew she was in for a journey as she left incarceration and started to look for work -- she just wasn't sure where to start. After participating in a Goodwill job readiness program, she obtained a machine operator job and has been steadily working her way up the career ladder since. "You should never judge what you’ve done in the past. The first step is to forgive yourself — because if you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will," she says.
