Jacob Barrett epitomizes the adage, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” For Jacob, who has a visual impairment, is deaf and has a disability, the added layers of challenges never prevented him from reaching for and achieving his goals.
Category: My Story
My Story: Roberta Horner
In March 2022, Roberta Horner found herself seeking a new beginning. She had worked in factories for many years, but she recently started experiencing health issues that kept her from continuing in this line of work. Roberta was living in Harmony House, a shelter for women seeking housing and hope, where she heard about a Goodwill program that helps older adults get back into the workforce and build new skills.
My Story: Sheila Gilmore
After 20 years of military service and earning a four-year degree, Sheila Gilmore never imagined it would be difficult to get a job. She had a 15-year employment gap on her resume, which reflected the time she was a stay-at-home mom, and the journey to find employment was rocky, but never gave up on her job search. Her perseverance as well as her dedication and passion for serving others helped her achieve her career goals despite the set backs.
My Story: Raquel Hernandez-Gonzalez
Raquel has been focused on navigating the new changes in her life. Moving to the United States from the Dominican Republic, Raquel often faces language barriers. After gathering all the resources and utilizing the services Goodwill was able to provide to her, Raquel found a permanent, full-time job.
My Story: Kevin Kennedy
Kevin Kennedy found himself seeking a new beginning after having a poor work history and facing a recent struggle with a serious health issue. A trusted friend encouraged Kevin to apply to a Goodwill program that helps older adults get back into the workforce and build new skills.
My Story: Irene Hernandez
Irene Hernandez was unemployed for 15 years while she cared for her three children at home. Then, as soon as grandchildren came into her life, she looked after them too. Now that her daughter can care for her own children, Irene decided to make positive changes in her life.
My Story: Wes Sawyer
Meet Wes Sawyer, Goodwill Industries International’s 2022 Kenneth Shaw Graduate of the Year.
My Story: Stan Nesby
Stan Nesby is an older worker who is adamant about immersing himself in his community and surrounding himself with people who are dedicated to bettering the world. Proud of the work he has done and the support he received along the way, he talks excitedly about now being able to help others.
My Story: Stephen Oun
As Stephen contemplates his next career move, he reflected on his time at Goodwill with fondness – realizing just how impactful Goodwill has been on his life. “It opened my eyes to a lot of things,” Stephen said. His journey to Goodwill began in high school when a teacher recognized Stephen’s interest in aviation and the ability Evergreen Goodwill’s Youth Aerospace Program could have in transforming a passion for flying and travel into a potential career.
My Story: March Henriott
Since August 2021, one such older worker named March has been helping visitors of the Warsaw Career Center discover career opportunities and resources. Beyond connecting participants to employment opportunities, she often finds herself lending a listening ear — something she recalls was offered to her during her time in the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) through Goodwill Industries of Michiana.
My Story: Morning-Glory
Morning-Glory’s senior year of high school was cut short due to the pandemic. Unsure of what to do next, a family member referred her to Goodwill Hawaii for help and Morning met with program coordinator Siniva to learn more about their services. Within a few days, she was able to start a job at Burger King, but eventually she reached out to Siniva and told her that she wanted to do something more.
My Story: Sandra Campbell
Sandra Campbell, came to Goodwill Industries of Kentucky (Louisville) seeking employment opportunities. Sandra was born with a disability, and she both lives with and supports her aging mother. Sandra has been successful helping her mother live independently by maintaining the basic chores of their home and maintaining a structured environment. Over time, however, Sandra has continued to strive for her own independence and financial stability and found she needed assistance to earn employment.
