My Story: Joann Santos
December 7, 2009 | By Jenni Baker | 
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My 26-year old son was murdered in November 2002. After the trial in 2004, I found myself at a loss and not able to work and function. I had to move in with my grown son in California and literally could not do anything for myself. I ended up collecting disability and not knowing where I was going to go from there.
I moved back to Phoenix and went through Goodwill of Central Arizona’s computer and customer service training course that was offered for three weeks. By the time I finished the class, I felt like my self-esteem was more intact and I thought I might try to go back to work.
Joann Santos performs office work as a clerical support assistant at Goodwill of Central Arizona.
I contacted Goodwill and had an interview there. The staff listened to my story and felt that I had marketable skills, so a position was created for me as a clerical support assistant in the workforce development department there.
It was a great team to work with. I had a life coach that would check on me and see how I was doing. Any time that I didn’t know what I was doing, there was always someone there to teach me. I’ve been placed in many challenging positions and it’s helped me overcome a great deal. I’ve also learned a lot of great tools in order to help other people who’ve gone through what I’ve experienced.
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Dear Joann,
I saw your story posted here on facebook. Let me start by saying, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I can only imagine the monumental pain you must have gone through. However, I do know what it’s like to rise from a dark spot in my life through the help of Goodwill. I too, am employed with Goodwill of The Redwood Empire here in Santa Rosa California as a 3rd key manager for 2 years now at one of our retail stores. Before I joined GoodWill, I was a product of the Sonoma Works program. A Program for people receiving Government Assistance. Also being a product of a bad relationship , and now single mother ,I too, know the feeling of positive self esteem our jobs provide.I have met some of the most fantastic people I will ever know here at our company. Goodwill has also given me a sense of independence I have never known. I want to thank you for sharing your story.It was very up-lifting. I’d like to the time to wish you the greatest luck in all your endeavours. May God Bless, you and your family and Merry Christmas.
Sincerely,
Ebony Barnes
My heart goes out to you . I invite you to my free tel -class, as I share how I Let Love Live after my sons passing. I send you love, Coach Louise
http://americasgriefcoach.com/LetLoveLiveTeleseminar.html