“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.”
Celebrating 20 years at Special Equestrians Chris earns Excellence Award
On December 5th Goodwill Keystone Area celebrated the momentous 20 year milestone of a career that began in December 1997. Chris Goodbred’s personal career path was guided by his love of horses decades ago when he began riding both for therapy and recreation. A notable support in Chris’ long term success has been Jennifer Radick, Goodwill Employment Services Manager, who coordinated Chris’ initial job placement at Special Equestrians.
Over the years, Jennifer has managed programs in Bucks and surrounding counties and in her current role began to work with Chris again as she was training new staff to support Chris. Together Chris and Jennifer have overcome workplace obstacles through perseverance and innovative accommodations. When Chris’ balance issues caused him to fall while cleaning stalls, wooden pallets were used to make a path and shingles were added to provide walking traction.
As the Special Equestrians barn invested in facilities upgrades, some of Chris’ memory aids also modernized.
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.”
Learn How Goodwill Makes a Difference:
