Goodwill Industries of Western New York, Inc. Success Stories

“I always thought, I’d never work,” Cynthia said. “Now, I’m confident. I know I got to do this.”

Cynthia’s attitude changed. She struggled to find the meaning of work. But building on eight consecutive years at Goodwill, she says now she couldn’t imagine not coming to work.

Cynthia was diagnosed with major depression and counselors recommended Goodwill. At first Cynthia was not receptive. After realizing the impact and alternative of not working, she finally budged by entering Goodwill’s treatment program. In the sheltered work shop, Cynthia began to see just how work changed her life.

“The staff and the people I work with helped me, and I turned all of the negatives into positives. Today, I look forward to coming to work.”

When Karen decides to talk, she closes her eyes and visualizes, takes a moment and speaks softly, but with conviction.

She has worked at Goodwill Industries of WNY for at least 20 years, but can not recall the exact date and reason she landed at Goodwill.

Hard times are forgetful because Karen suffers from recurring seizures.

At Goodwill, coworkers are sensitive to Karen’s episodes. And, she said, that is what makes working at Goodwill comfortable.

Girlfriend Donna drives Karen to the doctor and cares for her more than anyone.

“If I had a sister, I’d want it to be her,” she said wiping tears. “I would have had one, but she died three days after birth.”

Karen also admits a struggle containing emotions. And she knows on a few occasions that she “told people off.”

Goodwill and counseling, she says, help contain those outbursts.

Karen now works on the contracting floor, inserting ceramic pins into bars for making industrial Greenware products.

She reiterated Goodwill has meant a lot and encourages others who need support to trust Goodwill.

She sits at a table, solely focused at the job at hand. She needs space and needs coworkers to respect that this is her time to work. She’s determined to finish.

“This is the best place I ever worked,” Julita said.

She remembers so vividly the day she began at Goodwill—November 14, 2005. Past experiences in undesirable working conditions led Julita to pursue Goodwill. At times in her past, Julita feared for her life and as a child lived in multiple foster homes.

Today she lives independently and spends time at home crocheting blankets and listening to the radio.

Goodwill provided the outlet to stay active and become productive.

“I can’t sit at home,” she said. “I need to work because I’ll go crazy, and I’ve made more friends here than anywhere.”

In 1999, Kevin was sprinting to the bus for work. In an instant, Kevin’s legs failed, and he crashed to the concrete.

Kevin suffered a devastating stroke.

Unable to talk, walk or see, Kevin was unemployed for the first time in 25 years. Doctors told him patients who suffer that severe of a stroke die or become permanently disabled.

“Now look at me,” Kevin said with a smile and his cane in his lap. “You can beat anything.”

The day of his stroke, Kevin said he continued to work. unaware what happened at the bus station.

After some time recovering, Kevin arrived at Goodwill in 2004, He works in the GoodWorks Industrial contracting shop and has been a utility player—packaging items, inserting screws and assembling ceramic moldings.

Kevin works three days a week and lives independently all because, he says, Goodwill and his faith provided the means to get through.

“I love to work and the staff is beautiful here,” he said. “People in my position want to feel normal again, and the staff treats others like you would want to be treated.”

Kevin said he is here to stay.

“I have a sense that I’m doing something,” he said. “This place has helped me mentally and physically.

“They would have to get me off the roof, if I was told to leave,” he said joking with laughter. “I may jump.”

When enthusiasm walks through the door at Goodwill, good things happen.

Take for instance Tiwana, now assistant manager of Goodwill Industries’ urban retail store.

Before arriving at Goodwill in 2004, Tiwana worked 20 hours a week at nights in a grocery market. In order to maintain her  benefits, Tiwana was required to work 35 hours a week.

Goodwill gave her the opportunity. She entered the Welfare-to-Work program.

Tiwana flourished, working first at the switchboard as a receptionist. She took advantage of cross-training opportunities and soon transferred to security, monitoring the premises.

She then applied for a position as the Children’s Activity Center Supervisor, solely responsible of overseeing a play room for clients’ children.

Tiwana earned the position and assumed that post until August.

Her mother, she said, was strong, a woman who worked three jobs.

Tiwana said her mother was a marvel to watch.

“It really was a struggle, and I liked it,” Padgett said. “I admired watching my mom get up and go to work for us every day.”

Tiwana arrived at Goodwill with the same desire to one day live independently.

And now, Tiwanna manages one of Goodwill’s seven retail locations in WNY and says she was thankful Goodwill was an option.

“I didn’t think I would be here this long,” she said. “I love what Goodwill is all about and they will help you.”