Mike, a young man with Down syndrome, knows first-hand the importance of having a job, and the sense of pride and responsibility it creates, especially when your family is depending on you for financial support. While living in a challenging family situation, Mike came to Goodwill through the Work Services program for on-the-job training and classroom instruction while being encouraged to strengthen his social and teamwork skills in a supportive environment.
Faced with yet another obstacle after moving out, Mike lost his main source of inspiration and support, his mother. Despite the emotional toll this took, he found his inner strength to push through and begin his own personal transformation: to redefine himself as the determined, self-sufficient man his mother always wanted him to be.Through the encouragement of Goodwill staff, he joined the Community Opportunities Club, a social group that provides recreational and community outings for adults who have been impacted by a physical disability or brain injury.