My Story: Joshua Butler

I was born with cerebral palsy. I came to the Gulfstream Goodwill Industries program when I was about 16 years old. I came from a home with eight brothers and sisters, and not a good background. When I was in school, I couldn’t read, write or spell very well.

Before I came to Goodwill, I was selling drugs for a living. I began serving in one of their youth programs to better my job skills. As of now I am working, and I am going to college.

Goodwill has helped me get my own apartment, helped me learn how to drive, gave me independence and also gave me a different way of thinking.  Most importantly Goodwill has given me the ability to believe in myself.

“Goodwill purchased special software for a computer that read out loud and helped Josh begin to read on his own. He was also able to learn to drive and get his license thanks to special adaptive devices that allow him to drive to school and work,” explained Gulfstream Goodwill Industries spokesperson Cal Miller.

“Joshua is an individual whose personality and desire to be a success in life is amazingly apparent. He works hard and has the ability to overcome tremendous obstacles, and keep a positive attitude and a huge smile on his face. His message, combined with his outgoing personality, makes him a phenomenal representative for Goodwill.”

Hear more stories from people like Joshua. 

Find out how Goodwill helps people with disabilities go to work.