My Story: Calvin Okeson

When I came to Rappahannock Goodwill Industries, I had a long and successful job history, including years with the American Red Cross, and most recently 15 years with Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse.

I had retired from Lowe’s and thought that it would be the perfect time for me to enjoy free time and time with my family. I soon realized that I was not ready to exit the work world completely. Though I enjoyed being home, I felt I still had more to give.

Once I began my job search, I realized that I wasn’t seeing the whole picture. There were jobs out there that I didn’t have access to because I was not looking online. There were jobs that, despite the felony in my background, I knew I could get.

Someone told me about Goodwill® and how they help people in my situation. I decided to give them a call, and I am so glad I did. They gave me the opportunity to learn more computer skills and to be able to research jobs on my own and make me more independent in this process. They also connected me to potential employers and taught me invaluable skills of communication and networking.

I would recommend Goodwill to anyone who is facing some barrier to finding a job. They were very helpful in helping me find my current job, and also helping me learn what I needed to do to overcome my past.

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