After a divorce, Angel - a former stay-at-home mom - needed to find a job to support her son with autism. She applied for TANF and was connected with Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast, which connected her with employment following a job training program. When that employer cut her hours after six years, she returned to Goodwill for help. She now works as a hospital receptionist and tells others, "Never give up, because anything is possible."
Category: My Story
My Story – Maurice Williams
Maurice thought his life was over after a shooting incident in a store left him totally blind. After connecting with Goodwill, he gained the confidence and skills he needed to re-enter the workforce and has now been working at a job he loves for nearly eight years.
My Story: Justin Throckmorton
When Justin first started work, he struggled to understand appropriate boundaries and actively listen to directions from his supervisor. Goodwill's program gave him the structured setting he needed in order to build those skills, and he is now employed at a local supermarket. "Overall, Goodwill has helped me overcome many obstacles to obtain a job that I really love."
My Story: Rachal Underwood
Rachal was willing to try any job after relocating to Los Angeles with her 2-year-old son. She connected with Goodwill's Beyond Jobs program, which helped connect her with CNA and Home Health Aide training. She is now employed and works as a nurse mentor for other women who were once in her shoes. "I am forever grateful," she says.
My Story: Colin Kneece
Colin grew up in an alcoholic and abusive environment and later faced mental health challenges following a period of unemployment as an adult. After connecting with Goodwill's vocational training program, he is now employed full time and feeling better about his life. "They have helped me develop myself," he says.
My Story: Christopher Smallwood
Christopher had a desire to be independent and earn his own money, but his disability posed an obstacle in finding and maintaining long-term employment. After connecting with Goodwill, his confidence and attitude began to improve. He now believes in his potential and says, "Because I am successful at work, I feel better about myself."
My Story: Karl Lamont Lee
Karl was struggling to find employment that would allow him to support himself and pay child support for his children. After connecting with Goodwill, he found the long-term job he needed. "I can take care of my kids. I am so proud," he says.
My Story: Michael Harper, Jr.
After falling in with the wrong crowd, Michael ended up in prison for 22 months. When he was released, he was determined to make a chance. He connected with Goodwill in Indiana and now works as a team lead for cleaning and janitorial services at the local VA hospital. "I try to be positive and help people," Michael says. "I love my job and those around me."
My Story: Remy Lawrence
Life threw Remy a curve ball and she found herself an unemployed single mother. "I felt like a statistic," she says. With support from Goodwill, she made the job connection she needed to find successful employment working with people with disabilities.
My Story: Joy Henry
Through numerous life and health challenges, Goodwill has been a constant in Joy's life. She says, "I can feel myself smiling, laughing and healing, and I truly feel cared about. This place is my therapy."
My Story: Daniel Owens
Daniel Owens was recovering from a relapse of his bipolar illness and living in debt when he came to Goodwill in Medford, OR. There, he connected with training and financial stability programs that helped him return to the workforce, and gained the support to start his own video production company.
My Story: Samantha Lawhorne
When Samantha came to Goodwill, she had no work experience. "Goodwill has taught me to be a team player and to take pride in my work," Samantha says.
