When Keith came to Goodwill, he brought a history of substance abuse and a criminal background with him. He embraced the chance to make a change in his life, rising through five promotions to be an assistant director of plant operations. Today, he says he enjoys the opportunity to give new people the same chance he was given to succeed.
Category: My Story
My Story: Jia Fang Deng
Jia Fang Deng was diagnosed with a degenerative condition called Ankylosing Spondylitis Arthritis. After his friends and family started to remove themselves from his life, Jia recognized he needed to make a change. Jia received training and learned skills that made him employable. Now, he works with students with disabilities to teach self-sufficiency to others.
My Story: Tyres Dickson
On Spring Break, University of Texas football player Tyres Dickson was in a car accident that left two-thirds of his body paralyzed. He decided he was going to do something positive with his life. His journey brought him to Goodwill where he works as an auto donor coordinator and dispatcher.
My Story: J. Jhondi Harrell
After 18 years in prison, J. Jhondi Harrell was looking for work. He connected with Goodwill, where he was treated with respect and kindness. They helped him finish his education and connect him with counseling positions where he was able to give back. He now runs his own nonprofit and transitional housing program helping people with criminal backgrounds re-integrate into society.
My Story: Jeremy Davidson
When Jeremy graduated high school, he knew he wanted to find "a job he liked forever," but wasn't sure what it was. Goodwill helped him zero in on his career goals and he now says he wants to work at Goodwill for the rest of his life. "My job has shown me how wonderful it is to give to others," he says.
My Story: Faith Weaver
Faith, who has a musculoskeletal birth defect, had been looking for full-time work for five years when she came to Goodwill. After completing vocational rehabilitation training, she was hired full-time as an administrative assistant and now dreams of going back to school and owning her own business.
My Story: Dwayne Hodges
After his release following nine years in prison, Dwayne didn't know how he was going to find a job and gain independence with his record. Goodwill gave him a chance and took away his anxiety about reentering the workforce. He says, "Thank you, Goodwill, for helping me regain me."
My Story: Kyle Plaza
After experiencing a traumatic brain injury in a car accident, Kyle faced new challenges in finding and maintaining a job. Through a special program at Goodwill, Kyle made the connections he needed to land an internship at an auto shop, which later translated into a permanent job. He has regained his driver's license and now enjoys more freedom.
My Story: Dustin Broshar
Dustin, who has a hearing impairment, shares how Goodwill's Prosperity Center in Eugene, OR, helped him find stable employment and access financial and educational opportunities.
My Story: Casey Harrington
Casey was referred to Goodwill through her state's rehabilitation services office. After quickly learning how to process books, she also received training on how to process shoes and accessories. She says, "The best part about having a job is coming to work, meeting new people and coming out of my shell!"
My Story: Robert Johns
Robert was struggling to take care of his family after his father's passing, when he was referred to Goodwill. After learning and succeeding at a variety of tasks, he rose to the position of dock attendant. "I really take pride in my work," he says.
My Story: Shana Gutierrez
I first came to Rappahannock Goodwill Industries because it was suggested to me by the manager of the homeless shelter where I was staying. I was a little skeptical at first, but I quickly learned that this was just the thing I needed to help me get ahead. I worked with the staff there to
