Lee Ann Hannaford is the winner of Goodwill of Western and Northern Connecticut's (Bridgeport) 2015 Spirit of Inspiration Award, She discusses how she has recently been able to overcome living with a debilitating brain injury and hopes for the future.
Tag: Supported Employment
Goodwill® Celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and Goodwill Industries International is proud to join service providers, advocacy groups and employers among other stakeholders, in acknowledging the importance of employees with disabilities as a vital component of the U.S. labor force. This year's theme, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor — "My Disability Is One Part of Who I Am" — underscores the fact that employees with disabilities bring a wide variety of skills to the table. However, it is evident that more work needs to be done to educate employers and support people with disabilities. Approximately one in five Americans has a disability and they make up nearly 20 percent of America's workforce, yet their unemployment rate is more than twice that of workers without disabilities.
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My Story: Justin Newbern
Hi, my name is Justin Newbern and I work at ABVI-Goodwill (Rochester) in Geneseo, NY. I work in the wares department and at the donation door and I love my job! I learned how to pull and push items in the store, take out the garbage and do recycling. Running the donation door is my
Big Changes Still Possible from Lame Duck Congress
The reference to a lame duck Congress gives the impression of being powerless, yet in reality the current Congress still holds the power and the duty to act on areas that will impact Goodwill and the people we serve.
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My Story – Montreal Ellis
Before I came to Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana, I was working for a lawn service; when the company changed managers, I was laid off. I worked for a while fixing TVs for cash, but that didn’t last long. My mom took me to see a counselor at Louisiana Rehabilitation Services, and she referred me
Goodwill Supports Legislation to Reauthorize and Strengthen Workforce Investment Act
Provision of Senate bill would transform the Special Minimum Wage Certificate from an employment placement tool to an employment, training and rehabilitation program ROCKVILLE, MD — On July 31, 2013, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee voted 18-3 to advance bipartisan legislation (S. 1356) to reauthorize the Workforce Investment Act (WIA).
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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."
FL Program Participants Turn Hot Dog Cart into Self-Sustaining Business
During the workweek, hungry lunchtime shoppers near the Goodwill Industries-Suncoast (St. Petersburg, FL) Ocala Outlet store on West Silver Springs Boulevard now have a unique option: hot dogs from a cart managed by nine participants in the Goodwill Adult Day Training Program.
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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: 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.
