In 2011, we served more than 48,000 people. We currently employ more than 5,100 people; 1,330 of which are individuals with disabilities. Below are just a few of the many success stories that have come from Goodwill's training and employment services.
Goodwill Store & Donation Centers - Creighton
There are many hallmarks to becoming a young adult - a first job, first car and first apartment - and the independence and pride that achieving these milestones gives to the person who has conquered them. For Creighton, Goodwill has been the catalyst to making those dreams a reality. Creighton’s Mom recalls Creighton having medical issues from the time he was a small child. While there is no official name for the issues he has, “his body is just put together differently,” she says. He has had several serious medical problems throughout his life that have required hospitalization and surgery. But through all of that difficulty he has always had a goal – to be independent.
The first big step for Creighton towards that independence was to get a job. He knew where he wanted to work right away, and he applied to the Delavan Goodwill Store & Donation Center. Creighton recalls the day they received the phone call that Creighton got the job. “I was so happy! It was the best day!” Creighton began work in early 2008, and right away built a reputation for being a dedicated employee. He is full of energy and eager to take on any tasks he’s asked to do. Amazing things happened when Creighton began working. In nearly a year of employment at Goodwill, he has made significant improvements in his physical and emotional health. At his last visit, the doctor told him that he was in the best health of his life. The confidence that his job at Goodwill has given him has allowed him to move out of the assisted living program he was a part of, and into his own apartment.
Creighton’s Mom echoes the doctor’s findings. “His job has made him smarter and more responsible. When our family is together, he has work stories to share and contributes to the conversation in ways he was never able to do before. Creighton was able to take our whole family out for dinner a couple of months back, and I cannot tell you how proud he was. For many people, a job is something that pays the bills, but for Creighton, his job has meant independence.”
Workforce Development - Tara
Tara spent her career in several customer service jobs. But from the time she could remember, she wanted to work in healthcare. "I have always known that I wanted a career in healthcare, but it is hard to break through when you don't have medical background," said Tara. At the same time Tara was searching for a way to pursue her passion, Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare was searching for individuals with a strong customer service aptitude to train as patient access representatives for its hospitals and physician offices.
"Because Goodwill is a leader in training and workforce development, a partnership with them made perfect sense," said Coreen Dicus-Johnson, Senior Vice President, Physician and Revenue Operations for Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare. The program, called Project PRISM, identifies the "best of the best" candidates with customer service experience from such industries as hospitality, retail and banking. Candidates get work experience through Goodwill's staffing service, Goodwill TalentBridge, before a permanent hire is made by Wheaton.
Tara found out about Project PRISM through the Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare website and immediately applied. She continues to excel and is now a permanent associate working at Wheaton Franciscan - The Wisconsin Heart Hospital Campus. She has found healthcare so interesting that she is pursuing a degree in healthcare management.
Day Services - Brenda
Brenda's story is similar to many you might hear. She worked at a job she loved for more than 35 years and then, as work became more difficult with age, it was time to retire. The difference with Brenda's story is that she is severely disabled and worked all of those years at Goodwill, despite barriers some thought were impossible to overcome. Goodwill not only kept her busy with work, but provided her a social outlet, a place to learn and grow. Once she retired, she needed a way to stay connected and productive. Goodwill's Day Services were perfect for Brenda. Now, like any other retiree, she enjoys the things she has always wanted to do more of - cooking, exercising, playing cards, working on art projects, and perhaps most importantly, still being able to see her friends.
