News Release

Rachel Willard has a life story of triumph from escaping an abusive marriage, overcoming homelessness, being a single mother, and having an unsupportive family.  She found her success at Goodwill Industries of South Texas’ (Corpus Christi) WORK 2000 program.

The goal of Goodwill’s WORK 2000 program is to have homeless clients find gainful employment, increase their personal income, and secure permanent housing.  In April 2000, Willard entered the program and received job readiness and life skills training, housing assistance, employment and retention services, as well as case management that included clothing vouchers and funds to obtain her driver's license.  She completed the program the next month and began to work as Goodwill’s receptionist.  After two years, she was promoted to junior accounting clerk.  Willard has been with Goodwill for five years.

“Rachel Willard is deserving of Goodwill Industries International’s Edgar J. Helms Graduate Staff award for her personal commitment to gain independence and better her life.  Goodwill can teach someone job skills, help them obtain a job, and guide them along their career paths, however, the will to not only survive but also utilize their skills, overcome obstacles, and achieve their goals comes from within,” says George W. Kessinger, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries International.  “Rachel is a testament to the level of success a person can achieve when she possesses the will and strong work ethic to triumph.”

Willard’s strong will and determination enabled her to rent an apartment on her own, and eventually apply the money management skills she learned to save enough money to buy her first house for she and her daughter.  As part of her success, Willard also gives back to Goodwill.  She has appeared as a guest speaker at Goodwill Job Clubs and regularly encourages clients in training.

The Edgar J. Helms Graduate Staff Award is named in honor of the founder of Goodwill Industries, an ordained minister and social innovator who was motivated by spiritual values to improve the lives of those in need.   Rev. Helms believed that unselfish service, faith and a strong work ethic should permeate Goodwill’s mission, fostering self-reliance and success in others through training and employment.  This award recognizes a former recipient of Goodwill services who is currently employed by Goodwill Industries and who has exemplified Helms’ values of unselfish service to people with disabilities or other disadvantaging conditions.  Willard will be honored at Goodwill’s annual meeting on Tuesday, June 28.