Our Mission

Kenneth Stout

You gave me a chance

For 43 years, Kenneth has worked in Goodwill’s transportation department. If you ask his current supervisor, Tim Sain, or any of the transportation supervisors before him, who is one of the best employees they’ve had, they all would have the same answer, Kenneth Stout. This is an amazing accomplishment for anyone, but especially for Kenneth.

Kenneth was put up for adoption as a baby, and it was discovered that he was not functioning at the level he should. In fact, due to his lagging functionality, doctors predicted that Kenneth would never talk or walk. Despite these concerns, Essie Thorton, a woman who adopted or fostered numerous children through her lifetime, including many that had disabilities, wanted to take Kenneth home to raise and nurture him.

Ms. Thorton prayed and depended on her faith that Kenneth would develop. In 1967, when Kenneth was 16, he was referred to Goodwill by his school counselor because he thought Kenneth would thrive better in Goodwill’s environment to better navigate the challenges he faced.

Malcom Hearne, executive director of Goodwill Industries of Arkansas at the time, was immediately impressed with Kenneth and wanted to find a job at Goodwill that matched his skills and talents and would allow him to excel. Kenneth was placed in the transportation department as a truck helper. It turned out to be a good match.

He was a dependable worker who was willing to do whatever needed to get done. That work ethic and his love of working on trucks got Kenneth his chance to become a truck driver when his supervisor suggested he get his license in 1984. He has been driving trucks for Goodwill ever since…and loving it.

“Work and me got along real well. I love to work. If they are a driver short, if they need me to work, I’ll be right there,” Kenneth says. “ I really enjoy doing what I’m doing, the road trips, doing special pickups.”

Kenneth has always demonstrated his love and gratitude to Goodwill for giving him a chance. “I love Goodwill. The people are great. The work they do. I just want to continue to be here.”

---

Donate now to change someone’s life today

Learn more about Goodwill's programs