When Nancy Ramos-Sanchez was 16, she and her family went to Mexico on a summer vacation. She spent most of that summer with a boy she met there and decided that she would run away with him right before her family was due to return to the states. As her family left for Texas, Nancy
Category: My Story
My Story: Derrick Powe
Derrick Powe has been with Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana for nearly six years, beginning as a groundskeeper and now working in Commercial Services as part of the Janitorial Services Program. Derrick is a valued member of his team, proving his dependability through his punctuality and work ethic. He constantly seeks to improve his skills and has earned a reputation for being an employee to watch for excellence.
My Story: Marcus Wilhite
Marcus came to Southern Oregon Goodwill through a work experience program at Veterans Affairs Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics, was hired as a full-time employee, and rapidly advanced to be a key figure in Southern Oregon Goodwill operations. Marcus is building on what he learned in four years and is now a field service mechanic for a trucking company.
My Story: Jason Norris
When I was young, my parents were plagued by addiction and I had to live with my grandparents. I was 17 years old and was working for my grandfather’s landscaping company until I became a father. Unfortunately, I acted immaturely and decided to supplement my income with drug dealing. From 1999 to 2008, I was
My Story: Paula
Not many people would be ecstatic to spend their 50th birthday on the job, but considering a year ago Paula doubted she would ever work again, this day marks a major accomplishment. When her probation officer pointed her to Goodwill of Central Iowa’s skills training programs, she had no idea the journey she was bout to embark on.
My Story: Ulrica Plummer
Trials and tribulations are no stranger to Ulrica Plummer, but she uses those experiences to help others persevere and reach their goals at Goodwill.
My Story: Sean Cordasco
Thanks To You, I Have A JOB! I’ve had a long history with Goodwill® and plan to keep it that way. I was referred to Goodwill Industries of Southern New jersey & Philadelphia by the New Jersey Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) in 2011 where I became an extended employee at Goodwill’s Outsourcing & Production Fulfillment
Francisco Arellano
Francisco Arellano came to Triad Goodwill’s Asheboro Career Center for our English as a Second Language class (ESL) and GED program. The free training helped him improve his English reading and comprehension skills. Unlike many ESL/GED students, Francisco always completed his “homework,” which helped him pass his GED test! “Before coming here, I struggled at work every day. I needed an interpreter and there wasn’t always someone available to translate for me. This made learning and working harder for me,” said Francisco. In order to learn more English, I would listen to people tell stories and I kept trying hard to understand what they were saying.”
Carollee “Carrie” Bethea
Carrie is a graduate of Triad Goodwill’s Jobs on the Outside (J.O.T.O.) program. The classes helped her learn how to break down the barriers faced by ex-offenders. “J.O.T.O. allowed me to get the skill set I needed to rebrand myself and get back into the work force. They helped me realize I could pursue the career of my choice,” said Carollee.
My Story: Michael Stucke
I knew that I wanted to enter the workforce but it was not going to be easy. I have autism and needed assistance with my job seeking skills. That is when I reached out to my local Goodwill. When I first entered the Supported Employment Program that was offered at Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois and the Wisconsin Stateline Area, I did not have any job experience and needed assistance finding and maintaining a job. I was assigned to a job coach that would work with me every day to build my skills. I excelled in the program and soon learned the soft skills I needed to be successful in the competitive job market!
My Story: Meri Tannehill
Ask Meri Tannehill what makes her happy and she’ll tell you, “Being a STAR!” and she means that in more ways than one!
My Story: Melissa Lambright
At almost 60 years old, I was laid off after 15 years with my previous company. With no GED, college or technical training plus my severe health problems, I had trouble finding a new job. One day, I discovered that Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids had a technical training program that could lead to employment in a call center. I applied and was accepted into the program. I am now able to work from home 4 days a week, which helps limit movement and pain for my disability. Best of all, both my husband and I now have health insurance. I love my job, they care about me as a person and I have great co-workers. I am so thankful for how much my life has improved since discovering the training program at my local Goodwill. I never would have guessed things would have turned out so well.
