Goodwill Employee Receives Award For Her Spirit Of Unselfish Service
Helms Award for Graduate Staff Goes to Megan Johnson
PALM BEACH —– At 15 years of age, Megan Johnson was diagnosed with scoliosis, a symptom of Friedreich’s Ataxia. By age 20, the condition, which causes progressive damage to the nervous system, required her to use a wheelchair for mobility. Working to gain independence while remaining optimistic, she had enrolled in Palm Beach Community College after graduating from high school in 2008. The progression of her condition allowed her to attend classes for just one year.
Undeterred, she turned to Gulfstream Goodwill Industries’ supported employment program in West Palm Beach, FL, for assistance and was able to gain employment as a cashier at the organization’s Gulfstream Superstore. Now a cashier, Johnson is unfailingly positive, outgoing and helpful to the store’s customers. Coupled with her strong work ethic, she draws rave reviews from colleagues and customers alike.
Because of her positive attitude, unselfish service and strong self-reliance, Johnson is Goodwill Industries International’s 2017 recipient of the Edward J. Helms Award for Graduate Staff.
“Megan epitomizes the spirit of this award on a daily basis,” said Marvin Tanck, president and CEO of Gulfstream Goodwill Industries. “Megan exemplifies the values of unselfish service, faith, and a strong work ethic, and fosters self-reliance in her words, actions and deeds.”
The Edgar J. Helms Award for Graduate Staff honors a current Goodwill employee who is a past recipient of Goodwill services and who best exemplifies Goodwill’s mission of service to others.
Johnson says she takes great pride in being able to have a job with Goodwill, which provides balance as well as socialization and a steady paycheck. “It’s just hard to put into words how great it feels to be able to be independent…and pay your own bills,” she said in describing her job.
Johnson received her award at Goodwill Industries International’s Delegate Assembly in Louisville, KY, during a recognition lunch on Monday, June 26.
About Gulfstream Goodwill Industries
For more than 50 years, Gulfstream Goodwill Industries has been a leading nonprofit organization that assists people with disabilities and other barriers to employment to become self-sufficient, working members of our community. We provide more than two dozen health, human and social service programs for individuals in Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties.
About Goodwill Industries International
Goodwill Industries International (GII) is a network of 162 community-based, autonomous organizations in the United States and Canada with a presence in 13 other countries. GII is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is recognized by GuideStar with its Platinum Seal of Approval, the organization’s highest rating for charities. GII was also ranked by Enso as the #1 brand doing the most good in the world for two consecutive years, and was the only nonprofit brand rated in Forbes’ 20 most inspiring companies for three consecutive years. Local Goodwill organizations are innovative and sustainable social enterprises that create job training programs, employment placement and other community-based programs by selling donated clothing and household items in more than 3,200 stores collectively and online at shopgoodwill.com®. Local Goodwill organizations also build revenue and create jobs by contracting with businesses and government to provide a wide range of commercial services, including packaging and assembly, food services preparation, and document imaging and shredding. Last year, local Goodwill organizations collectively placed more than 312,000 people in employment in the United States and Canada. In addition, more than 35 million people used computers and mobile devices to access Goodwill education, training, mentoring and online learning services to strengthen their skills, and more than 2 million people received in person services. To learn more, visit goodwill.org.
For more information or to find a Goodwill location near you, use the online locator at Goodwill.org or call (800) GOODWILL. Follow us on Twitter: @GoodwillIntl and @GoodwillCapHill, and find us on Facebook: GoodwillIntl or Instagram: GoodwillIntl.
CONTACT:
Brian Edwards
VP, Marketing & Development
Gulfstream Goodwill Industries
Phone: (561) 848-7200, ext. 3250
[email protected]
Lauren Lawson-Zilai
Senior Director, Public Relations
Goodwill Industries International
Phone: (240) 333-5266
[email protected]
