“Because of the training I received at Goodwill, I have a job I love.”
Sometimes you don’t know that help is available to you until it’s offered. That is what Nick Notaro and his mom found out when he was a junior in high school and was referred to ACCES-VR (Adult Career & Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation) who sent him to Goodwill for the extra support services he needed. Nick needed help managing his anxiety and learning how to be successful in the workplace. He had one work experience that “didn’t work out” and wanted to be prepared for his next job.
Working with a vocational evaluator at Goodwill, Nick confirmed that he wanted to work in the maintenance/custodial field. He participated in soft skills classes and trained with Goodwill’s Janitorial Supervisor for two months to gain the skills he needed. Nick never missed a day of his program and had perfect attendance at Goodwill. That is quite an accomplishment considering he was also working a full-time seasonal position during that time, so he was working from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm every day!
When a position became available at the Cantalician Center for a per diem relief custodian, Nick was ready. He dressed to impress in a suit and tie, interviewed and landed the position. Within two weeks, he was offered a part-time position, accepted “more work and responsibilities” and he is now working full-time. In addition to being a conscientious worker who “doesn’t miss anything “ and always checks his work, Nick appreciated the added support of having a supervisor he worked well with who truly valued his work ethic. When asked about his job Nick will tell you that “things are good”, he enjoys everyone he works with, and “the weeks just fly by”.
Once he had found a job he loved, Nick’s next goal was to drive independently. Although he had gotten his driver’s license, he relied on his parents and his Aunt Sue to drive him to work. He has now accomplished another goal by purchasing his own car and driving to work on his own.
On a personal note, Nick let us know that he did need “just one night off” from work when he performed with his sister in the Gliding Stars ice skating show. He started as a skater at the age of 11 and is now a volunteer with this organization that provides adaptive ice skating lessons for children and adults with challenges. There were a couple familiar Goodwill faces in the audience cheering him on!
We are very proud of Nick and looking forward to hearing what he accomplishes next!