In May, during Older Americans Month, Goodwill® celebrates the contributions that older workers make both inside and outside the workforce. At a time when employers need to build resilience, older workers can play a critical role. They bring experience, reliability and perspective to every workplace setting. Your purchases and donations make stories like Kathy’s possible.
Category: My Story
My Story: Arnaldo Arista Mendoza
This National Skilled Trade Day, we acknowledge Arnaldo’s journey and millions of others currently working in and pursuing a career in the skilled trades. When Arnaldo started the Electrical Helper program at Goodwill Career and Technical Academy (GCTA), he knew little about the field. Not knowing what it would take to become a certified skilled trade worker, he knew there were many great job opportunities in this field, and he wanted to become an electrician. Despite not knowing where his efforts would lead him, Arnaldo worked hard and never gave up on his goal.
My Story: Mia Hooks
Towards the end of Mia’s training program she had the incredible opportunity to meet with a team from Google through the #GoogleServe Program, where she received job readiness training and one-on-one advice from leaders in the tech industry. Feeling inspired, Mia felt ready to return to work and accepted a full-time role as a PC technician. She knows this is just the beginning and continues to advance her skills with additional online courses.
My Story: Shaheera Alnatshia
International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Goodwill has changed the lives of many remarkable women who have gone though our various programs. One such woman is Shaheera Alnatshia.
My Story: Meosha Barnum
Meosha Barnum found herself in difficult times after a dispute led to her becoming involved with the justice system. This unexpected turn in her life interrupted her educational and career plans. After starting a job that only paid the minimum wage of $7.50 per hour, Meosha knew she needed to make a life change to better support herself. Thankfully, she learned of the Young Adult LifeLaunch program, hosted by her local Goodwill® organization's training partner, Diesel Truck Driving Academy.
My Story: Maureen Juma
Maureen Juma thought it was nearly impossible for her to further her education while caring for her children at home. An immigrant, with little access to educational resources, she faced challenges finding employment due to her lack of skills and training.
My Story: Jacob Barrett
Jacob Barrett epitomizes the adage, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” For Jacob, who has a visual impairment, is deaf and has a disability, the added layers of challenges never prevented him from reaching for and achieving his goals.
My Story: Roberta Horner
In March 2022, Roberta Horner found herself seeking a new beginning. She had worked in factories for many years, but she recently started experiencing health issues that kept her from continuing in this line of work. Roberta was living in Harmony House, a shelter for women seeking housing and hope, where she heard about a Goodwill program that helps older adults get back into the workforce and build new skills.
My Story: Sheila Gilmore
After 20 years of military service and earning a four-year degree, Sheila Gilmore never imagined it would be difficult to get a job. She had a 15-year employment gap on her resume, which reflected the time she was a stay-at-home mom, and the journey to find employment was rocky, but never gave up on her job search. Her perseverance as well as her dedication and passion for serving others helped her achieve her career goals despite the set backs.
My Story: Raquel Hernandez-Gonzalez
Raquel has been focused on navigating the new changes in her life. Moving to the United States from the Dominican Republic, Raquel often faces language barriers. After gathering all the resources and utilizing the services Goodwill was able to provide to her, Raquel found a permanent, full-time job.
My Story: Kevin Kennedy
Kevin Kennedy found himself seeking a new beginning after having a poor work history and facing a recent struggle with a serious health issue. A trusted friend encouraged Kevin to apply to a Goodwill program that helps older adults get back into the workforce and build new skills.
My Story: Irene Hernandez
Irene Hernandez was unemployed for 15 years while she cared for her three children at home. Then, as soon as grandchildren came into her life, she looked after them too. Now that her daughter can care for her own children, Irene decided to make positive changes in her life.
