With assistance from Goodwill Industries of Western New York (Buffalo), Joseph Lidge went from being homeless to launching a career and pursuing a college degree. "Life couldn’t be better. I couldn’t ask … I COULD ask for more, and I will ask for more, as long as I’m willing to put the effort behind it to get it."
Category: My Story
My Story – Andy Yeager
Andy Yeager came to Goodwill Industries of Central Iowa (Des Moines) as a high school student looking to gain job experience. He attended job readiness training and gained on-the-job experience that led to his job as a wares processor at the Urbandale, IA, Goodwill store. His hard work paid off, and he earned the agency's Achiever of the Year award.
My Story – Lee Arnold
LEE: "Since working at Goodwill, I’ve purchased a house. This past summer, I put in a garden and grew foods I love to eat. Working at Goodwill has given me back my dignity and respect."
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
My Story – Alex Hammond
I started having migraines at the age of three. When I was seven, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Surgery was performed and we thought everything was okay. The tumor came back when I was 12, and another surgery was performed. After surgery, I was partially paralyzed and could not speak. I had to
My Story – Kylie Corp
During my school years I remember being an easy target because I was picked on a lot by the other kids. It got harder and harder for me to go to school, but I finally finished high school in 2007. I had no future plans and remained home with my family for the next three
My Story – Carol Newberry
After a 11-year career with Goodwill, Carol took some time off following the unexpected death of her husband. Goodwill later welcomed her back and she now works as a vocational evaluator / case manager, where she helps people learn about their skills and re-enter the workforce. "I firmly believe that each and every one of us understands Goodwill’s mission, and that we live it each and every day," she says.
My Story: Amanda Ferraris and Shayla Cajero
Amanda Ferraris serves as a mentor for Shayla Cajero through Goodwill of Southern Arizona's GoodGuides youth mentoring program.
My Story – Samantha de Roque
After surviving an assault, and bout with breast cancer, Samantha's outlook on life was left with very little hope. Ready for her life to get back on track Samantha took an opportunity through Goodwill's Work Adjustment Training program. Through this program Samantha was able to gain employment and rebuild hope for her future.
My Story – David Majors
David learned more than he bargained for when he volunteered at his local Goodwill making phone calls. He quickly started to realize the impact he was having on those in his community. After only six weeks he had gained an an understanding and perspective that would change his life.
My Story: Liz Morris
When Liz Morris began to lose her vision, she lost her independence. Not one to give up in light of a challenge, she gained the knowledge needed to begin her new life. After 10 years of unemployment Liz reached out to Goodwill for help to jumpstart her professional career.
My Story: Tanyel Johnson
Tanyel quit her job to attend to the needs of her children, specifically, her son with a disability, while her husband worked. Not working caused her to fall into a depression. She saw a commercial for Goodwill's services and later connected with the agency in Omaha for a six-month customer service training. She landed an internship,which then led to permanent employment that allows her to still attend to her son's needs when needed.
