SUCCESS STORIES
My story began when I was kicked in the head by a horse at the age of
four. Because of this accident, I have a life-long brain injury that affects the
way in which I retain and process information. This injury caused me to study
differently in elementary, middle and high school.
Even after I graduated from high school, I continued to have
difficulty finding and maintaining a job. If I got a job, I did not have an
understanding of my disability, which often resulted in the employer letting me
go; or I would make mistakes out of fear, which led to me being just an average
employee with no hopes of progressing with the company.
Then in August of 2010, I was referred to Goodwill for an intake. The case manager carefully read my file and asked me
questions for clarification. She and my Department of Rehabilitation Services
(DORS) counselor realized that I needed something not only structured, but also
focused on vocational and cognitive strategies— something that would help me
with daily life skills as well.
At that time Goodwill had just started
an ABI (Acquired Brain Injury Program). This program offered a combination of
vocational and cognitive skills. The program was taught by an instructor with a
brain injury who was able to understand my issues, as she was living with the
same things that I was struggling so much with.
After completing this 8-week program, my confidence level increased, I
became capable of organizing my thoughts better, and I began to recognize my
strengths. This program provided me with the courage to take advantage of
several other programs at Goodwill. I attended numerous job readiness workshops,
took computer classes, and even participated in an event to raise awareness of
brain injuries.
I am now employed in a job that I truly enjoy, and for the first time
I feel empowered in my life.
Tommy graduated from High School with few prospects for employment aside from helping in the family real estate business and doing some lawn care. Following a referral to Goodwill®, Tommy participated in the Steps to Success program to identify his transferable skills, job development, soft skills, the interviewing process and job retention. Tommy’s real interest was to work with animals; however his difficulty with organization, maintaining attention, beginning and completing tasks and low cognitive functioning moved his case manager to work with him to identify the skills he did have and new employment opportunities in other fields. His case manager helped him build his self- confidence, and make eye contact when he was answering questions and communicating with people. He is very sociable and loves to talk about animals, sports and his family. To Tommy’s excitement, Costco was building a depot distribution center not too far from where he lived. He was very interested in applying. He applied on-line for the maintenance position and was called for an interview. Goodwill® provided a few mock interviews and helped him research Costco so that he was ready for the interview. Today, Tommy has been with Costco for over a year now and everyday he strives to be the best employee he can be. We applaud Tommy for his courage and dedication. He has gained new levels of self confidence, and overcome many obstacles. With Tommy’s great social skills, he has bonded well and has built relationships with his new co-workers. Taking on his new role as a team player, he has learned to work with individuals who were not family members, and he even invited his co-workers to an off-site birthday party for himself. Perhaps Tommy said it best: “Be patient, double-check your work, be professional,” which is what he said he has learned at Goodwill®. We can all learn a lesson from Tommy, all we have to do is believe.
See Tommy in action!