The Gift of Encouragement

Goodwill Industries. By Heather Alexander, Goodwill Industries.

We recently celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday. Some of us had a lot to be thankful for, while others looked at the celebration and painfully uttered, “I have nothing to be thankful for.” Still others compared their lives this season to years past and said, “I am thankful for Goodwill and the changes my life has made because of their help and partnership.” As you celebrate this season of thanks and giving, may you be encouraged by their stories of Goodwill. (Last names have been excluded to maintain privacy).

Luis

Luis’ life was the picture of a kid growing up in a low-income neighborhood; a place where the gang was your family and your security. As a young man, Luis wanted to work to take care of his family. But one night Luis was jumped and beaten with a crowbar. His life was forever changed.

The injuries from the attack left Luis with some brain damage and unable to walk. While Luis lie in a hospital bed listening to doctors tell him he might never walk again, he decided that this was not going to be his life. He checked out of the hospital and began his own therapy.

Today, Luis walks with a slight limp, and sometimes it takes him a little longer to pick up on new things. Both of these elements, combined with Luis’ past, made it challenging for him to get a job.

In August 2013, Luis came to Goodwill seeking help to secure and maintain employment. “I don’t care where I work,” Luis told his case manager Bonnie. “I just want to bring some income in for my family.” Luis tended to put himself down in interviews, rather than highlighting his abilities. So, after some mock interviews and help with his resume, Luis landed a job working in the kitchen at Red Lion three weeks later.

More than a year later, the head chef at Red Lion calls Luis a “star employee.” Bonnie is proud of Luis and all he has accomplished in the 14 months. “He has grown in his self-esteem and pride. He feels good about the work he is doing and what he is accomplishing. Luis is a success on his own.”

Marybeth

Marybeth came to Goodwill through Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation in October 2013 to find a part-time job. She didn't think she could work over four hours a day.

Prior to being diagnosed with her disability, Marybeth has been both a typist and a third grade teacher. When her disability first appeared, Marybeth had no idea she was ill. Her life spiraled out of control. She had to give up her job. After many years, her doctors found medications that helped control her symptoms. Slowly, she gained control of her health issues.

When Marybeth came to Goodwill, she was nervous, fidgety and forgetful. She undervalued herself, giving the appearance of low self-esteem, which is a roadblock to many people in job interviews.

Marybeth needed coaching and practice to help her frame positive answers about herself and her previous work. Armed with coaching, Marybeth practiced at home and with her Employment Specialist at Goodwill. She improved steadily, but still froze when she was asked about herself. Her employment specialist coached her to take a breath and talk about who she was. After two months of practice, Marybeth paused, took a breath, looked the employment specialist in the eye and spoke about herself positively.

A typist position opened at a land title office. When it was time for Marybeth’s interview, she felt confident enough to go without the employment specialist. After the interview, Marybeth called the employment specialist. “I didn’t forget anything. And guess what? They asked me to tell them a little about myself,” she said. “I chuckled to myself, took a breath, and I just started talking. It came out right!”

Marybeth was offered the position. In spite of her new employer's willingness to ease Marybeth into the job, she quickly transitioned into working eight hours a day.

On Marybeth’s first day of training, she typed up 25 documents. Now she is typing over 100 documents per day. Marybeth’s supervisor is pleased with her ability to fit in with co-workers, her pace of learning, and the improvement she has shown in typing. Marybeth says she loves her job and is so thankful to Goodwill for helping her achieve this long-time goal of finding employment.

When you think about thankfulness and recognize your life blessings this season, think about those people around you as well who need the gift of encouragement and hope. Goodwill is providing life-changing hope, pride, accomplishment, and personal successes of all sizes to more than 6000 people in North Idaho and Eastern Washington every year.

You can help Goodwill continue to build hope and goodwill in our communities every day. Consider a corporate partnership to host a donation drive or help fund our services to veterans who are homeless or many other programs. Donate your clothing and household items to Goodwill and shop in our wonderful stores. Of every dollar earned, more than 85 cents supports the programs we provide in our community, changing lives like Luis’ and Marybeth’s every day. Or, make a financial gift to Goodwill through our website at www.discovergoodwill.org today.

Happy holidays, from your friends at Goodwill.

#goodnews #local