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.
Category: My Story
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.
My Story: Todd Parker
Goodwill means more to me than a paycheck. It’s where I have grown and built my confidence for nearly 20 years. I learned by working at my local Goodwill to deal with life and get along with people. I’ve found a place where I’m comfortable. And I’ve found peace at work and happiness.
My Story: Stetson Odom
When I first moved to Panama City, I went to go check out the local Goodwill store and little did I know that was going to be the start of my life. As I was leaving, I saw a sign about Goodwill offering free GED classes. I had dropped out of high school because of testing anxiety and other issues. As a result, I had a hard time getting a job. In fact, I have never even had a job before. Here in front of me was a sign – a sign that I needed to do something with my life.
