News Release
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Houston Man’s Commitment Yields Positive Community Returns
Warren Hill Named Goodwill’s Achiever of the Year |
| May 4, 2005 |
Rockville, MD —
Material donations to Goodwill are on the rise in the suburbs of
Houston, TX, thanks to Goodwill’s “ace” donations attendant, Warren
Hill. In his nearly 30 years working at
Goodwill, Hill has proven the power of work to change lives, and the
measurable value of a strong work ethic. His commitment to work distinguishes him as Goodwill Industries International’s 2005 Achiever of the Year.
Each day, Hill catches a 5:28 a.m. bus to ensure he makes it on time to his job at Goodwill Industries of Houston. During his 29 years of work, Hill was late only once – and only by three minutes.
Goodwill refers to Hill as their “ace” donations attendant because he
is so personable that he develops his own donor clientele at every
donation center for which he works. His donors often return to his center to see Hill and make additional donations. Hill’s disability seems to have little effect on his job performance.
Hill was born with congenital hydrocephalia, which manifests itself
physically with a head twice the average circumference, high blood
pressure, and diminished mental capacity.
Hill came to Goodwill in 1976 for its pre-placement job training and work program. His first evaluation cited frequent absenteeism and work far below standard.
With coaching, on the job training, counseling, and other human
services, Hill persevered and tried his hand at several jobs, including
collection box attendant, print shop press helper, security attendant,
and trailer attendant. Through a series of
promotions and consistent recognition for his hard work, Hill became
the lead donations attendant for Houston Goodwill’s most upscale site,
and he is ambassador and greeter at Goodwill special events and grand
openings.
“Goodwill relies on the generosity of the
public and the professionalism of our donations staff to exhibit
stellar customer service to those who support our mission of job
training,” says George W. Kessinger, President and CEO of Goodwill
Industries International. “As much as
Warren relies on his Goodwill paycheck for his independence, we rely on
employees like him to manage great relationships with our donors.”
Although
Hill qualifies for Social Security Disability Insurance and other
benefits, he says his paycheck and Goodwill’s medical plan are enough
to meet his needs. He lives with his mother and 90-year-old aunt with Alzheimer’s, and helps support the household as well. Hill says, “Goodwill has been a family to me ever since I have been with them.
They make me feel real happy and they make me feel real special, so for
me to go the extra mile for my job…that’s a good thing.”
Goodwill
Industries International’s Achiever of the Year is a person who has
shown great progress and accomplishment in overcoming obstacles to
employment, but who still benefits from the Goodwill work environment
or receives services to support employment at a community site. |
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