Meet Kathy, a participant in Goodwill’s EARN Program! Kathy moved to the Pittsburgh area about three years ago as a single mother of six. Despite coming to Goodwill during the pandemic, she was determined to complete the program quickly. After much hard work, Kathy earned her certification as a Peer Specialist, which helped enrich her Associate’s Degree.

Goodwill’s mission resonated with Kathy and her passion for helping youth. Kathy liked being at Goodwill so much that she accepted a full-time position as a Program Specialist with Goodwill’s YouthWorks program this past March!

Kathy shares her gratitude for the EARN team for giving her the motivation and encouragement she needed to obtain employment, leading to a fulfilling career in Human Services. The EARN team is extremely impressed by her incredible determination, talent, and positive energy – all of which have made her a valuable addition to the organization! Congratulations and welcome to the Goodwill team!

Learn more about Goodwill’s EARN program at https://www.goodwillswpa.org/life-changing-services/employment-services/adult-workforce-development/career-services/

Meet Jamar, a participant in Goodwill’s FIRE Fatherhood program! Jamar is the legal guardian of his three younger siblings, and came to Goodwill looking for help gaining full-time employment. Within a month of being in FIRE, he landed a full-time job with benefits!

When we asked Jamar about Goodwill, he said, “Working with the Father’s program was a very humbling experience, it felt like I was talking to one of my friends rather than it being a class. We were able to relate with the stuff that we learned in class and also just get advice from the other fellas. I always looked forward to being in class and you received beneficial items with the Amazon gift card so overall it was a very good experience.”

Goodwill’s FIRE Fatherhood program offers assistance, guidance, and fellowship to fathers in a group setting. Learn more here: https://www.goodwillswpa.org/life-changing-services/housing-and-community-services/community-services/fire-fatherhood/

Meet Carey, a Production Support Specialist at the Goodwill Workforce Development Center in Fayette! Recently Carey was honored as a 2023 UniqueSouce Achievement Award recipient for his hard work and willingness to lend a hand. Carey has struggled with his health and thought he would have to give up working entirely. He came to Goodwill’s Mental Health Transitional Employment program to get help gaining the skills needed for employment. He eagerly began the program training in the manufacturing/recycling department. Throughout each step of the program, Carey exceeded all expectations! After completing the program, he was hired as a Production Support Specialist last June. Congratulations, Carey!

Goodwill Operations Manager Kim Johnson says Carey “…makes a substantial impression on others. I was impressed with him from the moment he contacted Goodwill about the Mental Health Transitional Employment program. He was so eager to receive assistance with conquering his barriers to employment and gaining meaningful work. That eagerness and determination landed him a position in our Goodwill family. We are so happy to have him.”

The Fayette Mental Health Transitional Employment Program assists individuals with a mental health diagnosis gain the skills necessary to obtain competitive employment. Participants are offered the opportunity to gain foundational work skills to be competitive in the workforce, through Goodwill’s community-based janitorial, retail, and cartridge recycling programs. Learn more at https://www.goodwillswpa.org/life-changing-services/disability-services/mental-health-services/fayette-mental-health-transitional-employment-program/

Meet Tommy, a Project SEARCH program graduate working at UPMC! Tommy was recently presented with The Award for Commitment and Excellence in Service (ACES), which honors staff who exemplify UMPC’s five core values: quality & safety, caring & listening, responsibility & integrity, and excellence & innovation.

When nominating Tommy for the ACES Award, Project SEARCH stated, “Tommy has worked in Transport for six years after completing and graduating from the Project SEARCH program. No matter what, Tommy always greets people with a smile and ‘Hi, how are you?’ His friendly personality is known throughout the hospital. Additionally, Tommy’s work ethic is beyond reproach. When he needs to ask a question, he waits politely until a nurse is free to ask a question. If a nurse asks Tommy to remove equipment, Tommy is more than willing to help. There is never a job that Tommy turns away. Besides his work ethic and friendly personality, Tommy brings sunshine to people who are lucky enough to encounter him in the hospital. If you are having a bad day, find Tommy. It’s a guarantee he’ll brighten your day.”

Tommy is also a huge Pittsburgh Penguins fan. When presented with the award, he was also given a signed Penguins jersey and a congratulatory letter from player Jeff Carter. Congratulations, Tommy!

UPMC Project SEARCH is a one-year training program fully immersed in the workplace (UPMC) for high school students with disabilities who are transitioning from high school to work. Learn more here: https://www.goodwillswpa.org/life-changing-services/disability-services/transition-services/project-search/ 

Meet Clovia! She came to Goodwill in 2021 to earn her High School Secondary Diploma. Right away, our instructors knew that Clovia would have no trouble earning her HSE! She participated in every class and led class discussions. Soon Clovia began taking her exams, then tragedy struck. Clovia and her family lost their home and their belongings in an apartment fire. Despite this unfortunate circumstance, Clovia forged on. While searching for a new place to live, she remained dedicated to her education and continued to attend class. 

Clovia has advice for anyone interested in High School Equivalency: “It’s never too late to try. Age is just a number. Don’t ever give up on your goals. Perseverance is key. If anybody had a reason to postpone or pause, it was me. There was the fire, my husband, but I knew what I wanted and I stayed true to that. Thanks to Goodwill for this opportunity of a lifetime and for helping us achieve even when we want to give up. I didn’t know this was possible.”

Clovia is currently working for UMPC. She is pursuing Medical Assistant training now that she has her HSE diploma. Goodwill is proud of Clovia for her perseverance and recognizing her own POTENTIAL to succeed! 

Learn more about Goodwill’s education programs at https://www.goodwillswpa.org/education

Meet Skyler! Skyler first came to Goodwill through the YouthWorks Retail Traning Program, which helps prepare and train individuals for a job in retail. Goodwill worked with Skyler to help him become more comfortable working in a store, and he successfully completed the program three months ago!

After completing the Retail Training Program, Skyler was hired as a retail associate at the Lawrenceville Goodwill store! He says he looks forward to earning his own income and hopes to move into his own place someday.

Skyler’s favorite Goodwill Core Value is COMMUNITY because it makes work more enjoyable and manageable. When he isn’t at work, Skylar enjoys studying, reading, and contemplating life. Goodwill helped Skyler recognize his POTENTIAL and gave him the training needed to succeed!

Learn more about Goodwill’s YouthWorks Retail Training Program at https://www.goodwillswpa.org/impact-retail

Meet Marla, a donations processor at the West Mifflin Goodwill store! Last month, Marla participated in the 2023 Special Olympics Pennsylvania Winter Games at Seven Springs. In total, she ended up winning two gold medals, both in skiing!

Marla started as a program participant at Goodwill and then was hired as a part-time team member over 15 years ago. Goodwill is proud of Marla’s accomplishments and her ability to reach her full POTENTIAL!