Goodwill and Exceptional People

By: Jenneth Oliveras

What is Goodwill’s Philosophy?

“Goodwill® believes that everyone should have the opportunity to live independently, earn wages and achieve their dreams.”

What are Goodwill’s Goals?“While Goodwill is non-secular, it embraces

spirituality, heart and stewardship, focusing on the dignity of every single human being. It operates on the premise, "Give a man a fish and you have fed him a meal; teach a man to fish and you have given him a way to feed himself for the rest of his life…" Goodwill is about changing people's lives for the long term. It is about helping a person to develop the skills, self-esteem and sense of purpose needed to live a productive life with quality and happiness…”

The History of Goodwill in Houston

It was founded by W.C. Morris and the Rotary Club of Houston in 1945.

It was opened by 9 handicapped people and one able-bodied person

There are now 40 stores, 6 job connection sites, and 45 donation areas in the greater Houston area

What are some of the programs offered for Special Needs people?

1.Individualized placement and support services to help people get and keep jobs

2. Career centers that train people in how to build a resume, interview skills, and how to get a job

3.Placement in jobs4.Rehabilitation programs that

help during the recovering process

An Interview With ClaireClaire is a Houston employee

who works in the Meyerland StoreShe says that working with

special needs people is “very rewarding. I wouldn’t give it up for another job.”

Some of the special needs people she works with have orthopedic disabilities

How do Exceptional People get involved with Goodwill?

They get connected to a local store. This process can occur with the help of an organization, or it can be an individual walk-in process.

They have to go through the same process anyone else would- an application and an interview.

How does Goodwill hire and train Exceptional people?

After the interview process, Human Resources decides whether or not to hire the person.

According to Claire, “Nine times out of ten a person with special needs is hired”.

During the training process, there is a mentoring process. One able-bodied person works along side a special needs person training them on what to do. A mentor often needs a lot of patience.

Some Success StoriesIn the Meyerland store, there are

special needs employees who have worked over 25 years with the company.

According to Claire, working with special needs people benefits both the company and the individual.

“Special needs people get a greater sense of independence when working with Goodwill.”

How can I help?Donate household items and

clothing to a local store. Become a volunteer and help

make a difference. Support Goodwill by becoming an

advocate.Join the Goodwill blogging

community!

www.goodwill.orghttp://

www.goodwillhouston.org/history.htm

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