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Success Stories Tequea Gandy (left) assists Dr. Tina Gage
"Goodwill has helped me in a number of ways. I had been out of work for four years and it was very difficult for me to find employment. In a matter of two months my employment specialist was able to help me find employment as a dental assistant.
I am very grateful to Goodwill for being so effective in helping me find employment. I feel that Goodwill is beneficial to me and people in my position. I am pleased to be a part of such a wonderful program."
Craig Sears with his job coach Suzanne "With the assistance from Goodwill, I am doing the best I can, trying to be someone who can make a difference. Goodwill has supported me and assisted me every step of the way. I have one-on-one staff that provides job coaching and independent living skills training. She attends meetings with me and helps me understand the content and the politics. I am not a man of a lot of words, but I know that I couldn't do what I am doing now without the support of Goodwill."
Craig Sears spends most of his time working as an advocate for brain injury awareness. With his job coach's help, he has targeted the local, state and federal government. He participates on many boards and committees. He has established a relationship with Congressman Christopher Shays and maintains his own website. Craig developed TBI/ABI Social and Support Groups at Goodwill, the first of their kind in southern Connecticut. Visit this link for more information on Goodwill's brain injury support groups.
"I am very happy that my employment specialist has helped me to get my job at Quiznos. I tried working in other jobs and types of employment, but I did not feel comfortable. Working at Quiznos has helped me to be more confident in myself.
Everyone at Goodwill has been so nice and supportive of me. I am thankful for my employment specialist and the rest of Goodwill staff for helping as much as they have."
"Goodwill has helped me with a lot of opportunities to get better jobs. Goodwill taught me how to apply for a job." Tyrone worked with a Goodwill Employment Specialist on job-seeking skills. He started working part-time as a custodian in a gym until Goodwill helped him obtain a second part-time opportunity at Marshalls performing custodial tasks. After three months, Marshalls promoted him to retail material processor and increased his hours. Working almost 50 hours a week for several weeks, he chose to leave the job at the gym and focus on his position at Marshalls when a third opportunity presented itself. Whelan's International, a facilities maintenance company, offered him a better paying position to perform custodial duties at Home Depot in Stratford. He works 30 hours per week for Whelan's and 10 to 15 hours at Marshalls.
Tyrone works to support himself and his family. He never gives up in his effort to grow and learn. He is trying to get government support for higher education through the WIA program at CTWorks. "Goodwill has helped me make money and make friends. They have also given me the chance to work in the church and earn extra income.
"The staff at Goodwill helps me do a good job and learn new skills. I am very proud of how far I have come."
Chantell Fleming is a single mother who had difficulty finding employment and needed help with parenting skills to help her son at school.
She adjusted quickly to the Goodwill work environment and was immediately well liked by her coworkers and supervisors for her pleasant demeanor and cooperative nature., Chantell earns competitive wage and efforts to find her employment in the community have been initiated. "During the past year, Chantell has displayed the very best qualities of a productive and valuable team player. Her attitude, work ethic and dependability set the standard for other employees," says Goodwill's Business Services Manager.
Goodwill's supported living services have helped Chantell help her son, who has a disability that requires medication. She has been working closely with Goodwill staff to access appropriate services for him.
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