A Job for Julia

Julia wanted to have a job and be an active member of her community. But when she moved to a new community in 2012, she faced closed doors and rejection for three solid years. After fruitless attempts to find employment through other resources, Julia was jobless, broke and defeated. The extended period of time without employment left her feeling isolated and struggling to make social connections. Frustrated, Julia finally came to Goodwill in December of 2014.

Julia was born with cerebral palsy. Her CP presents mobility barriers and a speech impediment. She gets around using a motorized wheelchair. She is a bright and engaging young woman, with a ready smile, and easy conversation with everyone she meets. When potential employers saw Julia roll into their businesses asking about job openings and looking for applications, many simply told her the open positions had been filled, and some even laughed.

Julia had not always faced these barriers to employment. She used to live in Eugene, Oregon, where she worked for a large medical clinic, doing things such as filing, helping with office tasks and directing people through the large facility.

Julia was not confident at first that Goodwill would be able to help her find a job. Goodwill Job Developer Amy Taylor worked with Julia to find opportunities with employers in the community who could use Julia’s skills and energy. One day, Julia and Amy sat at a local coffee shop pouring over job openings in her community. An announcement for a “Sign Shaker” at Swireless jumped out at Julia. Amy and Julia immediately drove over with Julia’s resume. Amy introduced Julia to the store manager, Jesse Goodwater. Two days later, Goodwater called Julia and asked her to come in for a job interview.

Both asked each other many questions. Goodwater was concerned first and foremost for Julia’s safety, as the Sign Shaker is positioned on the sidewalk along Stadium Way. Goodwater had Julia drive her wheelchair up and down the sidewalk, testing the brakes, shaking the sign. “Jesse’s biggest concern was for her safety,” says Amy Taylor, “He never doubted that she could do the job.”

On the spot, Goodwater offered Julia the job. “I was shocked. I have to admit I didn’t believe it at first,” Julia says. Unfortunately, she has had experiences in the past when she has been offered a job, then the offer is withdrawn. “I was waiting for [Goodwater] to take it back, but he never did. He smiled, shook my hand, and said he was looking forward to having me work with him. Then I was happy. So, so happy.” Julia has been working as a Sign Shaker for Swireless 20-hours a week since January. While it is not her dream job, Julia enjoys the opportunity to interact with people on the street, wave at them and make them smile. She enjoys being part of a company team.

When asked what she enjoys about her job, Julia explains, “I like being able to get people to smile. I like getting people to notice me in a wheelchair. I like teaching people that yes, I am in a wheelchair, and it is ok. I am going to be here, whether you like it or not, and I am not going to bite. I think I set a good example for other people with disabilities. I am in a wheelchair, but I am not helpless.”

Julia and Swireless experienced some interesting community response to Julia’s job as a Sign Shaker during the cooler and wet late winter weather. A handful of people expressed concern, and even anger in some instances, to Goodwater, the local paper, and even the local police department, assuming that Julia was somehow being mistreated or not taken care of properly.

“It’s nice to know that there are caring people in our community, and they are watching out for me,” says Julia. “But I feel very uncomfortable that people are upset about me working in the rainy or cool weather. There is no reason to be upset. This is my job. I am from Oregon, so the rain doesn’t bother me. I don’t think people quite know how to react to me in a wheelchair.”

Goodwater has expressed the desire to keep Julia on long-term. “Out of all the jobs I have had in my life, Goodwater is the best manager,” praises Julia. “He is so supportive, and my co-workers at Swireless are great!”

“It is a big leap for employers to hire someone who has a disability, when they have not done so before,” says Suzanne Johnson, Regional Workforce & Family Service Manager for Goodwill.

In addition to her job at Swireless, Julia also volunteers at a childcare center, the hospital, and is taking some classes at the Community Center. “I hope to have a career in the childcare industry, but am working on getting some experience first.” She is also involved with her local Disability Action Center, advocating to make her community a more accessible community for all.

“My goal is to teach people that we can gain independence, we can work every day,” says Julia.

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