My Story: Butch and Johnny Beckhardt
November 30, 2009 | By Jenni Baker | 
Subscribe to "My Story" RSS
My son Johnny Beckhardt came to Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette (Portland, OR) four years ago with a developmental disability. After years of victimization stemming from high school sexual abuse and from abuse in group home environments, Johnny found it hard to connect with people and often shut down.
When the opportunity came for Johnny to work in Dallas, OR, I was as concerned as Johnny. Common behaviors for Johnny at that time included a fear of strangers, lack of trust, no self-confidence, insecurities and an unwillingness to try new things. Could my boy do it?
Johnny Beckhardt works with a smile on his face at a Goodwill retail store.
After working in the loving environment of Goodwill, I find my son a happy, healthy 30-year old man who wants nothing more than to make people happy around him. The supporting staff and co-workers are Johnny’s life now. Employment gives him confidence, goals, a desire to go to work every day, opportunities to learn new tasks and the chance to build social skills by interacting with the public.
I remember so clearly my fear the day I took him for the job interview. I never imagined my son would bloom into the dynamic young man he is today with excitement for new adventures and a love of life.
Listen to Butch tell Johnny’s story in this week’s My Story Podcast.
Subscribe to the My Story podcast on 
.
Print This Page
As a parent of a person with a disability, I know how important it is to feel that your child is safe and in an environment that encourages him to fulfill his potential and be independent. Thanks, Goodwill, for helping Johhny make his own success story!
I first read Johnny’s story in Working! magazine, and it touches me more every time I read it. He is truly an inspiration for people with developmental disabilities. I am so glad he is thriving at the Portland Goodwill!
This is great but I’d also love to hear Johnny’s story from Johnny. Could you interview him too?
Hello Cynthia,
Thanks for your comment. The “My Story” blog seeks stories from a variety of individuals whose lives have been touched by Goodwill. This week, we chose to feature a parent’s account of how his child overcame obstacles with help from Goodwill. In the future, we plan to include stories from Goodwill volunteers and other individuals involved with the organization to ensure we give voice to the spectrum of people whose lives are positively impacted by the organization.
Additionally, if you’d like to learn more about Johnny, I invite you to visit Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette’s web site, where you can read more and watch a video of the father and son: http://www.meetgoodwill.org/176-johnny-bechhardt
Jenni Baker
Communications Specialist, Goodwill Industries International
Johnny is awesome….he is such a joy….the world is definately a better place because of him and goodwill. Thank you.
Thank you Goodwill for giving Johnny the opportunity to be proud of himself. Johnny is an inspiration.
I am so happy to hear that, people can be so cruel sometimes… I am very happy for you and your son.