Success Stories
My Story: Doyle McGee
Prior to Goodwill®, I was an alcoholic in recovery. I had only been clean and sober for approximately two years. I was doing well from the physical perspective, but mentally, I had a long way in which to go. Alcoholism is more than picking up the bottle – it affects the mind, the body and the soul. My first step was accepting God as my Lord and Savior, and that’s how Goodwill was sent into my life.
I was broke, homeless and suffering from very low self-esteem. The library became my best friend; it was there that I noticed a banner, which bore the name “SCSEP.” I didn’t know exactly what that meant, but in smaller print below, I noticed the word “employment.”
My Story: Clarence Smith
I spent four years in the state penitentiary in Pennsylvania. I never looked at it as a liability or a handicap. I saw it as a privilege and an opportunity for me to excel. I went on a lot of interviews, and doors were closed in my face because of my record. I didn’t have the opportunity to work in some jobs where I felt I could be an assistant to the company, because they wouldn’t hire me.
I was working with the Mayor’s Office for the Reentry of Ex-Offenders in Philadelphia and I was referred to Goodwill Industries® of Southern New Jersey/Philadelphia for their 7th Street project. They taught me how to be a leader — not just in the workplace, but also in life too. I learned, despite whatever kind of job I was working, to make it the best job that I could for myself and for my family. I learned communication skills and how to conduct myself.
My Story: Travis Derouaux
Before becoming involved with Goodwill® Columbus, I was a senior in high school. I lived at home, and I had put several job applications with no luck. My teacher told me about the Project Opportunity program, and I wanted to participate.
I did an internship at the Giant Eagle grocery store, which included classroom studies and on-the-floor training. I learned about the job skills I needed to work there. After finishing the program, I was given the opportunity to apply for a job, and I got hired.
My Story: Patrice Baugh
Many years ago, I saw a sign on a metro bus that advertised computer skills and ten-key skills—skills and experiences I didn’t have. I kept seeing them advertised in the newspaper by employers, and I knew I couldn’t even get my foot in the door without those skills. My interest definitely was definitely piqued. I could also earn an hourly wage, which was extremely important.
At the Seattle Goodwill®, I was able to take job interview and coaching classes, and I had a great supervisor at the time in the production department that really focused on discipline. I gained the confidence to interview at The Seattle Times where, nine months earlier, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to go in and feel like I could contribute.
My Story: David Beiter
I can remember as far back as second grade that I knew I was different and didn’t know how to express it. I was diagnosed late in my 40s with bipolar and major depressive disorder.
I was a good citizen. I had a house, I had a car, and I had two dogs and cats. Through my years I watched my father drink alcohol every morning, and I picked up on that through my life. I drank it all away. I lost everything. I had nothing but the shirt on my back and a backpack that had a few clothes in it.
My Story: Ora Harris
When I came to Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina less than two years ago, I was homeless and living in a shelter. To get to my job at Goodwill, I had to walk from the shelter to the bus stop, and from the mall down a busy street to the facility once I got off the bus. It was a challenge to get to work on time every day, but I never missed a day.
While I was with Goodwill, I did a lot of growing. They helped me get my self-esteem back, and made me appreciate life more. With their help, I was able to get back on my feet and pursue the dreams I have for myself.
My Story: Mel Yawn
I was born with spina bifida and throughout my life, I’ve had 24 major surgeries. Before coming to Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana, I sat at home doing nothing but staying on the Internet, and I became addicted. I was depressed and leading a lonely life. I was on the verge of moving back home with my parents due to low finances and no job.
After I got involved in church, doors really started opening for me. I was introduced to the VP of Contract Services Don Baker, who then introduced me to my supervisor Cathy Stewart. That’s where my Goodwill journey began.
My Story: John Waszily
After attending college, I entered the Air Force in 1964 and, after only 18 months, received a medical discharge for stress-related hypertension. I was hired by a consulting engineering firm and was named one of Cleveland’s outstanding business leaders. I later started my own consulting engineering business, Waszily and Associates, which was recognized by Inc. magazine as one of the fastest growing U.S. companies in 1991.
To deal with the increased stress of my career, I was self-medicating with alcohol and my use of alcohol was growing daily. My attention to the business was declining daily and in 1997, I was forced to declare corporate and personal bankruptcy. In 1998, my investor sold what was left of the business, and my wife of 30 years filed for divorce.
My Story: Christie Jarrell
I was raised in North Carolina with my mother and my stepfather. Their relationship was physically violent. As I got older, I had two children at a very young age and started to abuse alcohol and other substances.
Before I came to Goodwill I had gotten custody of my children back through the court system and I had been sober for about a year and a half. I had just lost my job and I was really devastated and worried about how I was going to take care of my children.
My Story: Stephanie Baker
I was born in St. Louis, MO and raised in different children’s homes. I got a scholarship to Philander Smith College and ended up in Little Rock, AR. I majored in English, and my senior year, I was in a car accident that put me in a wheelchair. I have a spinal cord injury, but I did manage to get my degree.
I came to Goodwill Industries of Arkansas after I lost my house. I was homeless and jobless and I had no income. I stayed with my daughter for a little while and then I heard about Goodwill.
