| Goodwill Success Stories (6)

Stephen

After Stephen graduated from high school and started college, he wanted to find a job that could fit into his schedule. To get Stephen started, his Division of Vocation Rehabilitation (DVR) counselor referred him to Goodwill’s Workforce Development team through the Alternative Workforce Supplier Program (AWSP), a unique employment partnership with the largest e-commerce sortation facility in Kenosha.

Robert

Robert is a donation attendant and utility worker at the Goodwill Store & Donation Center in Downers Grove, whose story epitomizes the courage and determination needed to overcome obstacles and barriers. In this video see how Robert achieved his goal of learning how to read with the help and encouragement of his store manager and Goodwill Way Guide.

Meet Heather B. Heather recently completed her job-readiness experience with the Community Access Program and is now working with Supported Employment, which helped her quickly get a job at the Wisconsin Athletic Club.

Terry always wanted to be the father and husband his family could count on – a role model to his children and responsible contributor to society. After several years in and out of incarceration for past mistakes, Terry needed the world to see the changed man he had finally become.

In September of 2014, an art exhibit featuring the voices of Milwaukee elders opened at City Hall. The “Islands of Milwaukee” combined three-dimensional art, audio recordings and live performances in a unique exhibit that shed light on the topics of isolation and human connection. One of the seniors highlighted in the exhibit was Angie, a recipient of Home Delivered Meals, part of Goodwill’s Community Services Program.

Brenda’s story is very similar to many you might hear. She worked at a job she loved at a company that valued her for more than 35 years, and then decided that it was time to retire. In retirement she enjoys many activities she’s always loved, like cooking, exercising, playing cards and having lunch with friends.

Given the harsh economic realities, it is not surprising that recent graduates are pessimistic about their ability to achieve the American dream. Many of them believed that getting a college degree was the ticket to success in the knowledge economy. And, compared with the college graduates of 10-or-20 years ago, recent college graduates are carrying higher debt levels due to the rising cost of a four-year degree. Meet Sara. After earning a Healthcare Administration degree in 2013, Sara was unable to bridge the gap from college to career.

When you walk through the doors of Wellspring, an independently operated rehabilitation and skilled nursing center in Milwaukee, it’s apparent that it’s a happy place to work and a happy place to stay. And making sure it remains that way are Nara F. (shown right) and DezRay (shown below).

When first arriving at the Goodwill Workforce Connection Center, Constance was filled with uncertainty and doubt. Homeless and living in a place that provides emergency shelter services, she wondered if she would ever be able to keep a roof over her head and for her two young children, ages three and four. Read More

Sarah

Sarah is proud to say how much Goodwill has helped her on her journey to community employment and how Goodwill’s Supported Employment program continues to support her. Recently hired at the Best Western Plus Milwaukee Airport Hotel and Conference Center as a dining room attendant, Sarah's job includes serving breakfast, setting tables, and cleaning the dining area, among other things.