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Changing Lives
Since our founding in 1927, our donation centers and retail stores have been a means to an end. Our real business is changing lives. It's what we do every day.
Watch this video and learn how your donations are changing lives of people in our community:
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Here are some of the stories of Arkansans that have had their life changed by Goodwill thanks to your donations and purchases:
Eddie Leonard, Graduate of the Year 2010
If one thing is resoundingly clear in speaking with Eddie Leonard, it is that he loves Goodwill.
Eddie was a good kid, raised to do the right thing, and he certainly did several "right things" early in his life. Things quickly took a turn, however, when Eddie began experimenting with drugs and alcohol. After dealing with the consequences of alcohol and drugs, including run-ins with law enforcement, Eddie decided to take charge of his life and find a good job. However, with his past criminal record and several physical limitations from previous sports injuries, Eddie ran into several obstacles on his way to employment.
Eddie began working at Goodwill through Assessment/Work Adjustment and Extended Services, and he quickly fell in love with Goodwill Industries of Arkansas, and in particular, with the people he worked with. "I love the people here, from top to bottom." He explains, "I've seen them help so many people."
"I have been blessed. One of the most important things God has blessed me with is that God put people in places in my life at the time I needed them. And that was Goodwill and the people at Goodwill. I am so blessed to be here."
Jervis Edwards, Achiever of the Year 2008
Jervis Edwards wanted to have a better life for himself.
Referred to Goodwill’s programs by the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services in December 2006, Goodwill was ready to assist Jervis in finding a good job. Through Goodwill’s Work Adjustment and Extended Services Programs, Jervis developed the skills he needed for competitive employment.
Bill Watson, Employment Specialist, comments on Jervis’s attitude, “Jervis had a good attitude, worked well with others, and was very cooperative.”
Shortly after completing the programs, Jervis was able to find work at Alamo Rent A Car as a shuttle driver in December 2007. “Jervis is an outstanding employee. He is always willing to do whatever is asked when something needs to be done,” says his supervisor.
For overcoming his barriers and achieving his goal, Jervis received the Achiever of the Year award. Jervis comments, “Goodwill made me a better person. I learned how to communicate with others and overcome my obstacles.”
Curtise Johnson
“Blessed” is the best word that Curtise Johnson uses to describe his life.
Losing his mother before the birth of his first child, Curtise numbed the pain with alcohol and drugs. With no high school degree and trying to support his children, Curtise found himself in trouble with the law and in jail several times. Curtise says, “I had no sense of where I should go…I sold drugs to pay the bills.”
While in prison, Curtise kicked his drug and alcohol habits and resolved to make changes in his life. With little skills and work experience, Curtise went to Goodwill for help. At Goodwill’s Work Adjustment and Extended Services Programs, Curtise not only received paid training and supervision in real, integrated work settings, but, more importantly, developed the attitude and skills necessary to obtain and maintain employment.
Curtise reflects, “I was doing something constructive with my life, and I felt more motivated in life. I can work. Goodwill gave me inspiration.” Ready to find a job in the community, Goodwill helped Curtise find and secure a good job at Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
Reflecting on his experience Curtise says, “The Goodwill team is nice and understanding. They relate to you no matter what situation you’re in. Goodwill helped me meet my goals. I am in a better place in my life. My kids are proud of me, and I am a role model to them. Goodwill pretty much gave me my life back. I am blessed to have a job. I am blessed to have Goodwill.”
James Stuckey
When James Stuckey came to Goodwill Industries in April 2005, he had no job skills and was living with his grandmother. What James lacked in experience he overcame by his good attendance, enthusiasm and excellent work habits. His employment specialist, Bill Watson, assisted him in getting employment at Federal Express as a preloader.
Since he began working at Federal Express, he has received several raises in pay. James recently got married. He and wife now have their own apartment. We are very proud of Mr. Stuckey’s accomplishments.
Linda Brown
Linda Brown was selected as the Goodwill Industries of Arkansas, Inc. Achiever of the Year for 2005. When Linda came to Goodwill in July 2003, she did not know that she had so many hidden talents. After attending the Goodwill Training Program, she developed superior work habits; excellent attendance; a high production rate; and got along well with both co-workers and supervisors. Because of her great efforts, she was hired as a Courtesy Clerk with Kroger in March 2004. Linda’s store manager, Steve Kordsmeier, said he wished he had more employees like Linda.
With two teenage girls at home, Linda needed a more reliable and larger car. Because of her successful employment at Kroger, Linda was able to pay cash for the car. Good job, Linda.
Roy Davis, Jr.
When Roy came to Goodwill in January 2003, he had never been employed. He said that he had always wanted to work at Kroger as a Courtesy Clerk. Mr. Davis developed good work habits and never missed a day during his training at Goodwill Industries.
In August 2003, Roy began working at his dream job at Kroger as a Courtesy Clerk. The Assistant Manager of the store has said that Roy is an excellent employee with perfect attendance. We are so proud of you, Roy, for a job well done.
Sherry Polk
Sherry Polk is a former Work Activity participant who is enrolled in our Supported Employment program. Sherry has excellent attendance and is very cooperative in her job at Franke’s Cafeteria as a dining room assistant/housekeeper. Cecil Millard, her supervisor, has hired another consumer from Goodwill Industries because of Sherry’s performance on the job.
The Supported Employment program provides continued support of the former Goodwill participant throughout their career. The Employment Specialist at Goodwill provides assistance to the participant through education, job coaching, and other services designed to foster independence and continued success on the job.
Jimmy Gray
Jimmy Gray was selected as the Goodwill Industries of Arkansas, Inc. Achiever of the Year for 2004. Mr. Gray came to Goodwill in February 2003. Jimmy had been a printer before his automobile accident ten years ago. While attending Goodwill classes, Jimmy demonstrated excellent work habits and got along well with co-workers and supervisors.
Jimmy’s Consumer Employment Specialist, Bill Watson, assisted Jimmy in obtaining employment as a Program Assistant at the Heflin YMCA in North Little Rock. Jimmy supervised and taught children while they played sports and learned socialization skills. Mr. Gray has been a very good role model for our other consumers.
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