Success Stories - Goodwill Keystone Area

Mission Success Story - A Ray of Light

Ray graduated from high school in 2020 and struggled finding work during the pandemic. The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation referred him to Goodwill, and his employment specialist began looking for work in his hometown of Royersford (Montgomery County). A part-time job at Giant Foods fit Ray’s interests, and he interviewed and got the job.

With support from Goodwill, Ray has been thriving. He loves to make a customer’s day brighter and happier. His manager, Lisa, raves about his excellent customer service and teamwork. He has received numerous letters, cards and notes from customers, and Lisa has observed Ray speaking with younger staff members about kindness and says he has a new goal to become a motivational speaker. He also has enrolled in college to continue his education.

Ray thanks Goodwill for helping him thrive and flourish. “Y’all are so helpful to me and got me an amazing job at Giant that I love.”

For more information about Goodwill’s programs and services, contact Sue Soderberg

EMAIL
or call 717.394.0647

Goodwill Mission Success Story - Yamna

For more information about Goodwill’s programs and services, contact Sue Soderberg

EMAIL
or call 717.394.0647

Alexis' Success Story

Alexis faced a few hurdles during her job search last year.

Along with struggling to find a position during the pandemic, transportation was a major issue. Alexis does not have her driver’s license, and her family recently moved to Bernville – a rural town in Berks County – with limited transportation options.

Additionally, Alexis graduated high school in 2019 and has limited work experience. Her family was hoping they could find an employer willing to support and work with Alexis on her time management and social interaction skills.

Alexis’ family turned to Goodwill. Her employment specialist, Kim Gregory, spent several weeks reviewing Alexis’ needs. She then began working with Alexis on updating her resume and practicing job interview skills.

Kim also began looking at transportation options. Unfortunately, buses do not have stops in Bernville and daily Uber trips would be too expensive. Thankfully, Alexis’ family agreed to coordinate their schedules to get her to and from work.

During her job search, Kim found a part-time position in housekeeping services at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center in Reading, which is about 10 miles from Alexis’ home. Alexis was excited about this opportunity, interviewed for the position and, soon thereafter, accepted their job offer.

Alexis is an essential worker, cleaning and sanitizing touchpoint high-traffic areas throughout the large expansive hospital. To help Alexis transition to her new role, Kim continued to work with her.

Kim trained Alexis on using the elevator and navigating the hospital’s several floors, communicating with patients and visitors who need directions, and greeting coworkers and staff appropriately. She also worked with Alexis on developing a job task list and practicing time management skills.

Alexis is very happy working at the hospital and being part of a team. She takes pride in her job and loves going to work every day, making new friends and earning a paycheck.

According to her manager, Alexis is a great team player. She has worked on her time management skills and social interactions with staff and patients, and has grown to be a big part of the Penn State Health family.

She has also accomplished one of her major goals – getting to wear pink scrubs after being employed for three months.

Way to go Alexis!

For more information about Goodwill’s programs and services, contact Sue Soderberg

EMAIL
or call 717.394.0647

Seth Achieves Statewide Honors

In his role as a photo license technician at PennDOT’s Regional Office Center in Harrisburg, Seth helps customers by reviewing proper forms of identification and verifying their camera card information.

Over the years, Seth has taken on more responsibilities all due to his hard work and dedication. Seth had support from a Goodwill job coach when he started but quickly learned what he needed to do – he even created his own picture sheet to refer to when the need would arise.

Eventually Seth worked his way to become a greeter and manage one processing system. Within no time he learned how to operate multiple systems and, most importantly, manage one of the most challenging roles where he has to welcome every customer who walks into the center while processing their information at the same time.

Seth is now a seasoned photo license technician who not only does his job effectively and accurately, but also mentors and assists new hires with processing issues at the site.

Seth has demonstrated a great sense of responsibility when it comes to his job. He does not call off work, is always on time and adheres to his schedule. Seth has a very pleasant personality and goes out of his way to help customers and co-workers.

“The favorite part about my job is helping people get their licenses,” Seth said. “I like seeing the smiles on new drivers after they pass their test and I get to take their photos. This job makes me feel like I’m part of a bigger place.”

For his outstanding work and attributes, Seth was one of 31 individuals across Pennsylvania to earn the UniqueSource Achievement Award. This award recognizes remarkable workers from around the state who demonstrate exceptional character in living and coping with disabilities, particularly in the workplace.

UniqueSource Products & Services is an agency that partners with Goodwill Keystone Area and other organizations to identify, market and deliver products and services that create employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Goodwill employees serve as greeters and photo ID technicians at various photo ID sites as well as provide custodial services to a number of state facilities.

Seth’s statewide honor does not stop here. He represents Pennsylvania in the Special Olympics and qualified for the national competition.

Congratulations Seth on your incredible achievements!

For more information about Goodwill’s programs and services, contact Sue Soderberg

EMAIL
or call 717.394.0647