Goodwill Success Story: Timothy is on the Job!
Members and management of the LA Fitness in Lancaster have welcomed their newest staff member with open arms. Timothy is on the job!
Timothy began his job search in August 2018 with Steve, a Goodwill Keystone Area Employment Specialist. For the first few months, they had some difficulties – numerous applications resulted in only two interviews, neither of which had promising results. Timothy was limited by transportation issues and a lack of previous work experience, and his schedule and vocational preferences created additional challenges in finding a job.
After a few months with no results, Steve decided to try something different. One day in December, he and Timothy drove around and stopped at various businesses to inquire about job opportunities. One of the last stops of the day was the LA Fitness near Timothy’s home, where Manager Lori happened to be looking for a part-time custodian and was willing to hire Timothy on the spot!
There were two problems – Timothy had not previously been interested in custodial work or in working on the weekends. After giving it some thought and making a second visit, he reconsidered and began working at LA Fitness a few days before Christmas.
At first, Timothy felt overwhelmed. There was a lot to learn and a lot to get accomplished in a limited amount of time. However, Steve was there to help. He stayed with Timothy for his first few shifts to train and supervise, gradually easing back and allowing Timothy to take over on his own. Steve developed a detailed checklist of Timothy’s duties, along with the amount of time each task should take, so Timothy would have something to refer to for guidance. After only a couple months on the job, Timothy had already committed the checklist to memory and could easily complete his tasks independently (and often with time to spare).
As a benefit of his job, he uses his free membership to do cardio and lift weights with his new gym buddies. Timothy’s exercise has served him well in his Special Olympics softball team, where he plays third base and left field (and with his team is headed to state championships in June!). In addition to staying physically active, Timothy volunteers at an animal shelter in Millersville, plays and writes music on his guitar, and spends time with his mom Eunice and their two cats.
At LA Fitness, Timothy found more than just a paycheck – he found a renewed sense of self and purpose, and a group of welcoming, supportive people who have quickly befriended him. Before he began working, he was unhappy with the way his life was going. Now, with greater confidence and an expanded social circle, Timothy is excited and ready to face the future as a productive member of his community.
“If you really want to do something, try hard and go for it." - Dalton
“If you really want to do something, try hard and go for it. It is definitely worth it in the end!” said Dalton.
Dalton was working at Goodwill but had a dream to become a truck driver like his grandfather. He said, “I always wanted to get my CDL A but never had the money or opportunity.”
Dalton applied to Good Careers Start Here, a program that helps participants get a certification in a high demand career. He received word that he had been accepted. “The first person I called was my grandfather,” he said with a grin.
Dalton continued to work full-time for Goodwill while attending classes five nights a week. There were a few times when he felt like quitting. “I just kept thinking I got this far, I can’t give up.”
And he didn’t give up. Dalton passed both the written and driving test and obtained his CDL A.
Soon after graduating, he got a job driving truck for a local lumber company. He is working toward saving up to buy his own place with a backyard for his dog.
"I like working with the people." - David
For the past year David has worked at a local Giant Food Store after completing Goodwill’s Project SEARCH training that equips individuals with disabilities to secure competitive employment. David bags groceries and scans codes on the floor. David overcame his difficulty of not being a reader by devoting time and energy to memorizing the entire store.
“I practiced a lot at home,” David said proudly. Store staff members and his Goodwill Job Coach provided additional support and encouragement.
When asked what his favorite thing about working was, David didn’t hesitate. “Money,” he said with a grin. When he received his first paycheck he was so excited, he immediately cashed it at the Giant store.
Debbie, his Life Sharing Provider, said she has seen a lot of changes in David. “He is much more responsible,” she commented. “He takes his job very seriously and wants to do everything and anything to make it work.”
There is one additional thing David hopes for. “I’d like more work hours,” David confessed. “I want to earn lots of money.”
Trevor – "It's nice to be part of a team."
As Trevor bustles through the halls of the Dauphin County Courthouse, he is smiling, yet focused. He realizes that people are counting on him. Trevor started working as an intern at the courthouse through Project SEARCH. In September 2016, Trevor was hired as an employee.
Dauphin County Clerk of Courts Dale Klein said, “It’s not easy finding qualified candidates and Trevor is a hard, motivated worker.” Dale added, “He’s learning to docket and helps with filing and communications, whatever is needed.’’ Commissioner George P. Hartwick, III said, “With various departments and many different kinds of jobs, we realized the county could provide excellent, real-world internship opportunities to people with intellectual disabilities.’’
For Trevor, he likes being part of a team. He said, “It’s nice to be needed. I like that people depend on me. I always wanted to work in an office.”
Andri – Success through Hard Work
Success through Hard Work
“Everyone has to start somewhere,” said Andri.
Andri, a high school senior, has a great sense of understanding that entry-level work is a starting point and a stepping stone to something bigger and better. He said, “I plan to have other jobs, but I need to start here and work my way up through life because that’s what you do.”
Over the 2016 summer, Andri took part in the Goodwill Summer Work Experience & Assessment, also known as SWEAP. This program gives teens and young adults with disabilities, between the ages of 16 and 21, the opportunity to gain real-world work experience and earn their first paychecks. 107 participants received paid job training at Reading High School, Goodwill Stores and Donation Centers and other local businesses.
Through SWEAP, Andri, who is deaf, worked at Reading High School. Along with his job coach and other SWEAP participants, he completed a variety of tasks like painting, fixing desks and chairs and detail cleaning.
His job coach Robin Shingle said, “Andri was able to help his work group come together. Andri knows English, Spanish and sign language. He translated or interpreted for others and it helped everyone gel together.”