TJ Gioconda
TJ is Goodwill Industries International's social media specialist. He works to further promote, create, and maintain interactive properties on and off the Goodwill.org, helping with the various online and multimedia productions of the agency.
Posted: May 21, 2013
When Keith came to Goodwill, he brought a history of substance abuse and a criminal background with him. He embraced the chance to make a change in his life, rising through five promotions to be an assistant director of plant operations. Today, he says he enjoys the opportunity to give new people the same chance he was given to succeed.
Posted: April 22, 2013
When Jeremy graduated high school, he knew he wanted to find “a job he liked forever,” but wasn’t sure what it was. Goodwill helped him zero in on his career goals and he now says he wants to work at Goodwill for the rest of his life. “My job has shown me how wonderful it is to give to others,” he says.
Posted: April 16, 2013
Faith, who has a musculoskeletal birth defect, had been looking for full-time work for five years when she came to Goodwill. After completing vocational rehabilitation training, she was hired full-time as an administrative assistant and now dreams of going back to school and owning her own business.
Posted: March 18, 2013
After resigning from a VA program designed to treat his mental illness incurred during service in Vietnam, Thomas knew he had to find something to keep him busy. He got involved with Goodwill through their Senior Community Service Employment Program and now holds down a job where he feels he can do meaningful work. “It gives me a real purpose, and works keep me happy,” he says.
Posted: March 11, 2013
Casey was referred to Goodwill through her state’s rehabilitation services office. After quickly learning how to process books, she also received training on how to process shoes and accessories. She says, “The best part about having a job is coming to work, meeting new people and coming out of my shell!”
Posted: February 25, 2013
I first came to Rappahannock Goodwill Industries because it was suggested to me by the manager of the homeless shelter where I was staying. I was a little skeptical at first, but I quickly learned that this was just the thing I needed to help me get ahead. I worked with the staff there to
Posted: February 18, 2013
After a divorce, Angel – a former stay-at-home mom – needed to find a job to support her son with autism. She applied for TANF and was connected with Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast, which connected her with employment following a job training program. When that employer cut her hours after six years, she returned to Goodwill for help. She now works as a hospital receptionist and tells others, “Never give up, because anything is possible.”
Posted: January 28, 2013
Rachal was willing to try any job after relocating to Los Angeles with her 2-year-old son. She connected with Goodwill’s Beyond Jobs program, which helped connect her with CNA and Home Health Aide training. She is now employed and works as a nurse mentor for other women who were once in her shoes. “I am forever grateful,” she says.
Posted: January 21, 2013
Colin grew up in an alcoholic and abusive environment and later faced mental health challenges following a period of unemployment as an adult. After connecting with Goodwill’s vocational training program, he is now employed full time and feeling better about his life. “They have helped me develop myself,” he says.
Posted: December 24, 2012
Life threw Remy a curve ball and she found herself an unemployed single mother. “I felt like a statistic,” she says. With support from Goodwill, she made the job connection she needed to find successful employment working with people with disabilities.