Encouraging Independence and Confidence

Look up the root words for encourage [en-courage], and you will find that the word literally means “to cause to be in, or to fill, with courage.”

In the years I have worked for Goodwill, I have watched our staff step alongside the people we serve, filling them with courage and hope, to accomplish their goals. For many, it has been the courage to apply for a job. For others, it has been the courage to walk through a job interview and strive on towards the next one when the first door closes. And for still others, it has been the courage to do more things for themselves and move into more independent living, rather than relying on others to help them in their daily tasks.

On March 11, Goodwill held our Annual Awards and Recognition Night with over 460 guests, celebrating and honoring the men and women we serve, the employees who go above and beyond to serve and support Goodwill’s mission, and our community partners.

In 2015, Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest served more than 6,200 men, women and teens in Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. While each of the stories shared are inspirational, two show the wide variety of services Goodwill is offering in our communities to change local lives.

Independence Award: Eugene

Our mission at Goodwill is to help people build independence in the communities we serve. So, each year we recognize the achievements of participants who have made great strides toward independence in their lives with our “Independence Award.” This year, six individuals received an Independence Award. Eugene was one of those Independence Award winners.

Eugene came to Goodwill a few years ago, a very quiet and shy man. He began working in a Goodwill store in the shoe department. Quick to learn new skills, he soon started working in other departments, including assisting donors when they brought donations. Eugene quickly became part of the “family” of his co-workers, who describe him as a hard worker who always shows a good attitude and pride in his work. In the last year, Eugene set a goal to begin writing for himself, and he has accomplished that goal with great pride. When Eugene’s name was announced as an Independence Award recipient, his job coaches and the Goodwill store staff who work with him erupted in cheers. His smile and pride were priceless.

Graduate of the Year: Alex

Goodwill’s Graduate of the Year Award recognizes the accomplishments of a participant who has been employed by a company or organization outside of Goodwill. Last fall, I had the opportunity to meet Alex for the first time. His case manager recommended Alex as an inspiring story for our newsletter. His story didn’t just inspire me; it inspired our entire organization.

Alex didn’t grow up with some of the luxuries and security that many of us take for granted. His family struggled. Often, as a young teen, he was taking care of his siblings, creating meals out of whatever he could find in the kitchen. A big kid, Alex was a good athlete, intimidating on the field and off the field. By the time he was 13, Alex became involved in drugs and alcohol. By the time he was 20, jail was a familiar place.

Eventually, Alex realized he had become someone he didn’t like. He missed his family and friends. He wanted to be loved and needed, but he was sitting in a jail cell facing a long sentence. He wanted to change his life. When he was released on parole, Alex was sent to Goodwill to attend job classes. At first, he thought it all a waste of time. But he soon discovered that the caring staff really could make a difference and help him find the resources he needed to become independent. Soon, Alex secured a full time job he loved that would support his family. After several months, Alex received a promotion he never thought possible because of his felony record. His kids now look at him with pride, and his fiancé is looking forward to marrying her friend who has overcome his demons to live the life he has long desired. He has become a mentor for other men who have felt trapped by their choices, an encourager to youth who are tempted by the same choices he faced, and coworkers who feel like they are stuck. You can learn more about Alex’s story on Goodwill’s YouTube channel at http://bit.ly/1o2JSgO.

Goodwill is able to help people like Eugene and Alex because of the support of our donors and shoppers. Out of every dollar earned in our stores, 85 cents funds our mission programs. When you donate and shop at Goodwill, you are truly helping us change lives every day – lives like those of Eugene and Alex. You are helping men and women discover the pride and joy of work, being part of a team, accomplishing tasks they did not know they could tackle, and finding the courage to reach their goals and then reach higher.

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