Our Mission

Tiara Griffis

You gave me independence

Tiara was diagnosed with mild developmental disabilities. At 23, she had no work history and suffered from extreme shyness which limited her social skills. But what she did have was a desire to learn, to be independent, to be successful.

“I went to class at Goodwill every week and they told me how by getting a job, I would be independent and successful. I liked how that sounded. Goodwill has helped me do that,” recalls Tiara.

Tiara was referred to Goodwill by Arkansas Rehabilitation Services. After participating in Goodwill’s training program for a year handling, sorting and handling merchandise, she was hired as a Goodwill employee to work in one of the company’s stores.

“When it came time to find her a position, Goodwill decided she had done very well in the training position in the plant. She was consistent, had a good attitude, so we decided to hire her to work at one of the stores tagging clothes and taking them out to be put on display. It’s similar to what she had been doing, so we thought it would be a good fit,” said job coach Bill Watson.

On the job, Tiara faces some challenges, but her supervisor is quick to point out that Tiara is very good about asking questions if she does not understand the instructions. That, her supervisor says, makes Tiara invaluable.

It’s that attitude that helped earn Tiara the coveted Achiever of the Year honor for 2010, which was presented at the Goodwill Annual Awards Luncheon held in May. Fighting her shyness, Tiara got up and spoke of how surprised and excited she was to receive the award. “I was happy and glad. I was smiling.”

This is the first time Tiara has earned money, so she adds that spending her earnings is a rewarding part of working. In fact, due to receiving a steady paycheck for the first time in her life, Tiara was able to fulfill her dream of living on her own.

“I’ve just gotten my own place. I did it by myself,” she says excitedly.

Tiara is very grateful to Goodwill for all their help. Goodwill gave her an opportunity to have self confidence. “I appreciate Goodwill for helping me and thank them.”

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