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When Carolyn found out she was going to be losing her job of 13 years, she knew she needed to update her skills in order to find new work. She connected with Goodwill's medical office training program, which also allowed her to update her Microsoft skills. After being placed through a temp agency, she was eventually hired on full time to work for the Huntington Fire Department.
Category: My Story
My Story: Vander Cherry
Vander saw his opportunities slowly fading away from him as a senior in high school. His teachers connected him with Goodwill's Project Search, which taught him the skills he needed to interview and land an internship. His last internship led to permanent employment. He credits Goodwill for helping him achieve things he once thought were impossible.
My Story: Jorge Nieves
Jorge was struggling in school and having a hard time at home when a Goodwill teacher recommended he join a mentorship program. Goodwill paired him with Nate who, like Jorge has interests in film and music. In addition to sharing hobbies, Nate helps Jorge stay on track in school. Jorge says, "My involvement with Nate and Goodwill has made me a better person."
My Story: Luis Miguel Soto
Before coming to Goodwill, Luis had a hard time finding a job with his disability and felt useless. He was referred to Goodwill and, after a year and a half, was placed in stable employment where he gets to help other people. He now feels his life has a purpose.
My Story: Francis Edwards
Francis struggled to maintain a job due to long-term mental health challenges. Goodwill helped him acclimate to working in an office, providing strategies and outlets for him to manage stress. He now works full-time with Goodwill and feels his mental health will stay strong as long as he is working.
My Story: Nikkinta Murphy
When Nikkinta was released from prison, she needed a job but didn't know where to turn. Project Re-entry, an initiative between Goodwill and other organizations, taught her how to look for a job, fill out an application and interview. After finding a job, Nikkinta now says "Never give up on yourself, no matter what happens."
My Story: Troy Wilkinson
After leaving a longtime janitorial position, Troy -- an Army veteran -- had a hard time finding another job and feared losing everything he had worked toward. He connected with Goodwill and learned valuable employment skills such as how to operate a cash register. He's now been employed with Goodwill for over a year and is happy with the new life he has build for himself.
My Story: Mudhaffer Al-Momani
Al immigrated to the United States in 1989 and faced not only family hardships but retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic eye disease that caused him to lose his vision. Even with a graduate degree, he faced struggles finding a job due to his disability. With support from Goodwill, Al wsa connected to a job at a NY law firm and is now independent and self-sufficient.
My Story: Eureeka Jackson
Eureeka became the primary caregiver for her sisters after her grandmother passed away. She entered vocational rehabilitation training at Goodwill, which helped her eventually gain a full-time position at the agency. She is now proud to be able to provide for her sisters and is working towards a college degree as a medical assistant.
My Story: Kim Kershaw
Kim Kershaw was unemployed and helping her mother recover from several strokes when she realized she'd like to work in the health care field. With support from a Goodwill Columbus scholarship, she trained and passed her nursing test with flying colors and now works for Goodwill taking care of residents in the agency's Residential Services for Developmental Disabilities program.
My Story: Earl and Christel Hurley
Doctors advised Earl Hurley and his wife to put their daughter Christel, who has a developmental disability, in an institution. They rejected the recommendation and became committed to helping their daughter lead a full life. Christel became involved with Goodwill in 1994 and has since proved her capabilities, earning promotions and raises. Although Earl says he worries about what will happen to her when he and his wife pass away, he no longer has to worry about keeping her employed, thanks to Goodwill.
My Story: Lonnie Willis Jr.
After growing up in a life of alcohol, drugs and violence, Lonnie found himself incarcerated. During his time in prison, he decided to turn his life around for the better - a decision which eventually led him to Goodwill. Lonnie benefited from employment training programs and is now proud to work as an attendant at one of Goodwill's attended donation centers.
