When you’re facing challenges finding a job, talking to people who’ve been in your shoes and found success can give you the encouragement you need to keep your head up during the tough times.
In late 2009, we launched Goodwill’s “My Story” series, giving job seekers coming to our page the chance to hear and read the first-person stories of people who have improved their lives through the Goodwill® job training, career placement and volunteer programs your donations help support. Almost two years later, we are honored to share our 100th story on the site.
Collectively, these 100 individuals give voice to the spectrum of job seekers looking for work in today’s economy and demonstrate to employers how hiring people with diverse backgrounds makes our workforce great. Our stories come from people with disabilities, people with criminal backgrounds, people facing long-term employment, people from low-income households, veterans, seniors, single mothers and youth – just to name a few.
Click on the podcast players below to hear the stories of three individuals:
- [podcast]/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/My-Story-Jason-Tobey.mp3[/podcast]
Jason Tobey, a Gulf War-era veteran, faced challenges reintegrating into the civilian workforce after being honorably discharged from the military. With support from Goodwill of Orange County’s microenterprise development program, Jason started his own business and now employs other veterans and their family members.
- [podcast]/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/ShannonEpps.mp3[/podcast]
Shannon Epps was living paycheck to paycheck while trying to raise her three children on her own. After getting involved in Goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin’s Almost Home program, Shannon learned financial management skills and became a home owner for the very first time.
- [podcast]/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/MichelleBanton.mp3[/podcast]
Michelle Banton dropped out of high school and experienced homelessness and time in prison before enrolling in Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey’s 25-day vocational rehabilitation program. She was offered a full time job with Goodwill in 2003, where she has received several promotions and still works today.
Hear more stories and use our interactive map to zoom in and find stories from people who have found employment and volunteer success through Goodwill in your city of state.
Don’t see your city or state represented? These 100 individuals represent just a fraction of the 2.4 million people who received employment training, job placement services and other community-based services from Goodwill in 2010. Look up the name and contact information for the Goodwill headquarters serving your area using our locator, and reach out to them to learn more about how Goodwill is helping people in your community go to work.
