My Story: Doyle McGee
March 15, 2010 | By Jenni Baker | 
Subscribe to "My Story" RSS
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.
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 “Senior Community Service Employment Program.” I didn’t know exactly what that meant, but in smaller print below, I noticed the word “employment.”
I mustered up a bus ticket and made my way down to Goodwill Industries® of Central Indiana and was introduced to Albert Strader. Albert was my first point of contact during the Goodwill experience. Soon after orientation, Albert learned that I had computer skills, a good speaking voice and I was very much a people person.
Doyle McGee works as a community employment specialist for WorkOne East.
In March of 2007, Goodwill sent me to an on-site interview at WorkOne West, and 21 days later, I signed a contract to work as a volunteer in their customer service department. Goodwill offered services such as Dress for Success that helped me obtain the clothes necessary to be functional in an office environment. They also provided transportation.
On December 23, 2007, I was presented an offer of employment by the state of Indiana as an intermittent claims taker. Things went well, and in September of 2008, I was upgraded to a customer service representative.
In 2009, I was named Goodwill’s achiever of the year, and I was promoted and transferred to the WorkOne East office as a community employment specialist. I get the opportunity to set an example that is worthy for others to follow, and to give them a purpose and cause in life.
Listen to Doyle McGee tell his story in this week’s My Story Podcast
Subscribe to the My Story podcast on
.
Subscribe on iTunes
Print This Page
What an inspiring story! I know you must feel a great sense of accomplishment and your helping others now says so much about your character.
Congratulations on being successfully employed. I am so glad that your training opportunity at your community service assignment through SCSEP helped move you toward your job. Thanks for sharing and providing hope to others who also struggle through various barriers!
Dear Doyle,
Thank you for sharing your amazing story. I am so happy that you found Goodwill and SCSEP. You are an inspiration for all who struggle with life’s challenges and dare to reach for their dreams. Best wishes to you.
Dear Doyle,
Your story really inspirits me, currently I was so despaired and feel total lost, don’t know if I have any strength to keep going my life.
Thank you for sharing your story, it’s going to help me a lot.
Best regards.
Dear Mr.Doyle. thank for your story it is great .It show how one can achieve any things in life if he or she is willing to work for it .Great job keep up the good work .Gary
Doyle,
What an inspiring story. It is people like you that remind us to keep reaching for our dreams and to never give up. You are truly an inspiration!
-Jessica
I would be honored to shake your hand.
Dear Mr. McGee,
You are an inspiration to all of us. Keep up the good work and enjoy your accomplishments.
- Rob
Dear Mr. McGee,
Your story rings true in so many hearts. Your success is so easy to see, yet we both know the efforts from others was at the heart of your success, yes! Your accomplishments are exciting and a inspiration to those who desire to see success in their fellow man. Your photo shows your happiness and joy. Keep your circle of people around you and continue being accountable with the responsibilities you have been awarded.
Your Brother in Christ,
Smiles.
I have been very much inspired about Doyle McGee’s success story. Wow, I never knew about Goodwill until a friend told me yesterday. Now, I have developed a great interest in the organization and I would be very grateful if Goodwill International could help me with some employment opportunity. I am 32 years Ghanaian living in Sunyani, Ghana. I have HND Building Technology, International Computer Driving License (ICDL) and pursuing BSc Health Informatics at the moment (final year student). I would be grateful to know the opportunities that awaits me and I will appreciate them a lot. Thank you.
Daniel.
Hi Daniel —
The only African country in which Goodwill currently has a presence is South Africa. You can learn more about Goodwill’s global presence at http://global.goodwill.org/. Best of luck to you in your employment search.
Jenni Baker
Communications Specialist
Goodwill Industries International
Wow …. Through God All Things are possible. What a great turn around just because you put forth the effort and took your life to the next level. You’re an inspiration for others. I am sure you will want to accomplish more and more. What was that song? AINT NO STOPPING ME NOW. That is you. Keep reaching for whatever it is you want to achieve. I am glad to know you as my friend. I knew you had a glow about you. But never knew what it was until now.
To God is the Glory…
Your Friend.
This is the 1st time since My Story has been up that I’ve had a chance to visit the website. I read all of the wonderful comments. I sincerely appreciate the warmth that the messages carry. I don’t quite think of this life as mine; but rather, the Lords. I am His vehicle of love and adoration for his children and I strive to stay in perfect alignment with His son, Jesus, so as to set an example that is worthy to follow. My kindly advise for those who are in need is that the shortest distance to salvation is between your knees and the floor. When u learn to use them conjointly…you will simplify what otherwise would be a complicated situation. Thank u again for your comments. It is not easy to grow old in today’s world, but it can be done. All u have to do is “think” it into reality; and, so it be said….so it be done. Amen.
Doyle, Thank you for your willingness to be so open and put your story up on the internet. You have inspired me and I’m sure you inspire others in your job and life as well. Thank you again, I wish the best of luck to you in your future! Your story is an example of where faith, hard work and friendliness can take you. Thanks again.
Doyle, what a great story! I am going to share this story with my son. Hope he is as inspired as I am. He’s been in trouble too, I can see the despair and anxiety that he face every day as he look for work. Nobody wants to hire him. I pray that he keeps the faith as you did.
You have been gifted by God to accomplish his plan for your life
Always help others to acquire their dreams as well and you will always
be Blessed Take Care
I am also seeking employment at Goodwill
Great for him! I hope he continues on the path of holistic recovery. Blessings and Light!!!
you’re an inspiration! all the best, elena