Success Stories
My Story: Cleo Clausell
When I graduated from high school, I was looking for a part time position somewhere to earn money for college. In this economy, it was pretty hard to do so. I didn’t really know where to start – and that’s when I first encountered Goodwill Industries® of Denver.
I was lucky enough to take part in the program with the City and County of Denver receiving job training and help with internship placement. Through that program, Goodwill® provided classes on workplace etiquette, how to dress in the workplace, résumé reviews, mock interviews and just generally helped us ready for entering the workplace.
My Story: Charles Mwamba
At 18, because of the unrest in Zaire, I had to leave for my safety. I crossed into the border of Zambia on foot, literally running across the border to safety. I was on my own. I spent 18 years in a refugee camp outside of my native country. At that time, I was able to move to Austin, TX, through a UN resettlement program. I brought my wife and four young children with me.
In Austin I found assistance through a local non-profit who worked with immigrants and refugees. I was unable to find employment to support my family. In four months, I submitted over 40 applications but received no interviews or even calls of interest. An opening was found at Goodwill Industries® of Central Texas. After interviewing with the recycling supervisor, I was offered a full-time job as a baler in the recycling department and started work in July 2009.
My Story: Edmond Cadet
Before I came to the program, I was hospitalized for a few months due to a brain injury that I was born with. I was unable to work for some time and I was pretty much down and out.
Even though I was down for four years, I fought the struggle in order to continue to move on in life. When I was able to work again, I joined Goodwill Industries® of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey’s WeCARE program. It took me some time, but after a few interviews I was hired on October 2006 by a law firm.
My Story: Julia Dunigan
I had experience with patient care while taking care of my mom. Mom wanted me in the medical field for years. I was a career as a server, and I knew I wouldn’t physically be able to do that forever.
I relocated to Greenville, and through the Goodwill Industries® of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina Job Connection center, I learned about the CNA program. I was comfortable with the field because I had experience doing it, and it was great to have the opportunity to begin a new career.
My Story: Charles Plummer
Charles came to Goodwill® in April 2009 through the Michigan Prisoner Reentry Initiative program. Charles had various breaking and entering convictions. He was referred to Goodwill through his parole officer, as he was released from prison with very little personal resources.
He was pretty unsure about the program at first, but continued to show up. He completed our month-long Better Life Initiative classes and received a certificate in May 2009. He started a 90-day temporary work experience at our recycle center, and completed that experience in August of 2009 with a great recommendation from his supervisor.
