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.
Tag: Job Placement
Goodwill® Affirms Commitment to Youth Education, Employment
At least one in six youth ages 16-24 — or more than 6.7 million young people — are unemployed and not in school. In December 2010, President Obama called upon 25 leaders, including Goodwill Industries International President and CEO Jim Gibbons, from the private, nonprofit and government sectors to address key community challenges and create opportunities for these youth and help them find paths to training, support and jobs.
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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.
Thousands Attend Goodwill® Career Fairs across the U.S. and Canada
This year’s Goodwill Industries® Week, celebrated last week, was one of the most exciting to date. Thirty-six Goodwills across the U.S. and Canada hosted more than 100 on-the-ground career fair events, and for the first time Goodwill Industries International hosted a virtual career fair.
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My Story: Will Place
Born with osteogenesis imperfecta, Will faced a childhood of broken bones followed by bone cancer which caused him to lose his left arm. Employers were reluctant to hire him with these disabilities. At Goodwill, Will learned to be more independent and successfully train for call center work with simple accommodations. He looks forward to an impending job interview and entering the workforce.
My Story: Jim Barnette
Before coming to Goodwill, Jim worked many different jobs for little-to-no pay. He came to Goodwill at age 40 and was given the opportunity to learn several jobs in the production and contracts department. He quickly proved his abilities and was promoted to working in the store. He is happy to be earning and saving money, and to have funds to buy record albums and go on dates with his girlfriend.
My Story: Eddie Leonard
Eddie's productive life went downhill when he started experimenting with drugs and alcohol. After being referred to Goodwill, he fell in love with the agency and earned a position as the floor care manager.
My Story: Jarvin Dorsey
After being paralyzed in a drive-by shooting, high school football player Jarvin Dorsey was forced to rexamine his education and life plans. In his story, he shares how his journey took him to Goodwill's Work Adjustment Training program and how he's now helping others get their lives back on track.
