Category: Success Stories

Donavon Palmieri found himself unemployed, but knew he wanted to go back to school and get his CDL license. He also knew Maine needed more truck drivers, but he didn’t know how to achieve this goal. With a child on the way, Donavon’s desire to get back to work increased. He connected with Goodwill Northern New England’s SNAP E&T Program,…

When he left prison, Ben wanted to work and start over in his community. But he faced limited job options. That is until he found a job at the Topsham Goodwill store and met Hillary.  “All I needed was a chance to get into the door,” said Ben. “Here I am today eight years later.” Goodwill gave Ben a chance,…

Finding and keeping good work can be challenging. For employees who have disabilities, this can be even more difficult. Stephanie found a job she loves and fits her abilities working at Goodwill. Stephanie is an E-Commerce sales associate for Goodwill. She’s been with Goodwill for over nine years.  “Goodwill accepted my challenge: Hire someone who can only work 15 hours…

Keeley Moseley lives with bipolar disorder, along with a few other comorbidities. Having a mental illness presents many challenges for Keeley in her personal life and work life. But it’s not all bad. Bipolar disorder taught Keeley to have empathy and compassion for others, she said.   “The biggest thing I wish other people understood about those of us with disabilities…

Helen sought a fresh start for her and her children upon returning to Maine. After being a stay-at-home mom for more than a decade, she was uncertain about her next steps. Helen met with the Workforce Solutions team and set a goal to work in finance. Helen looked for career resources at Fedcap, a workforce development organization, and they referred…

Evan Hall has cerebral palsy and hadn’t thought much about working until he participated in a Goodwill disability service for high schoolers called Bootcamp. Through Bootcamp, Evan realized he can work and now he wants to pursue his dream job — as a wheelchair tester. Cerebral palsy is a disorder that affects a person’s ability to move and maintain balance…

Victoria Winslow was looking for a new place to work when she discovered a dining assistant position at Quarry Hill. A few months into Victoria’s new role, a nurse at Quarry Hill suggested Victoria become a certified nursing assistant (CNA) — a higher-paying job, that felt more meaningful. Victoria connected with the Workforce Solutions team and received the emotional and…

Caleb Truman likes to use his hands. He creates impressive woodworking pieces and detailed needlepoint and sewing projects. He knew he wanted to sell his crafts but needed some support. Caleb achieved this goal with a little help from Goodwill’s disability and workforce services.   Caleb attends Goodwill programs five days a week, totaling 40 hours a week. He goes on…

Aamber Hufsey was between jobs and wanted to support her young family. A career change can be difficult for anyone, but when you live on Vinalhaven, an island that’s an hour and fifteen minute long ferry ride from the mainland, obstacles arise. Aamber met with the Workforce Solutions team and decided she wanted to work in the medical field. She…

Katherine Nolette wants to join the workforce when she graduates high school, a feat that can be challenging for some people with disabilities.  Katherine won’t let her disability stop her from achieving her goals. She is preparing for her future through a Goodwill disability service for high school students called Bootcamp. Katherine has participated in Bootcamp for two years. During…

LuAnne Cori is an advocate for herself, which helped her find her dream job advocating for others.   Before getting to her new career, she faced some obstacles. LuAnne has a hearing disability, which she didn’t know about until she was in her thirties.  She has adapted and persevered through every challenge that’s come her way. LuAnne secured the services of…

Tim Johnson applied to numerous jobs while in school but kept getting rejection letters. He finally got connected with Goodwill who helped him pay for college, land his dream job and manage his disability. Tim has Bipolar Disorder, which is difficult to manage without the medication he needs. When he was unemployed and earning his degree, Tim didn’t have access…

Trevon Butler knows what it is like to feel different. As a black man living in central Maine, he knows that feeling of entering a room and people looking at you. It is when you to get that sense that “different” equals “less than.” Trevon flipped this narrative and uses it as a strength. He uses his voice as a…

Chad Leighton has helped more than 50 people with disabilities find a career in the community. Within Goodwill, he’s called “The Job Whisperer.” Chad works for Goodwill’s Workforce Services. When a client has a tough time finding a job, Chad’s patience, persistence, and a good attitude are the keys to helping his clients land a great career opportunity.  For one client, it took over a…

For the last four months Amanda Merrifield has worked at a Goodwill warehouse – while in prison. She was incarcerated for nearly four years, and recently finished her sentence. Amanda is one of many women who got a second chance through the Women’s Reentry Program, and successfully transitioned out of prison into a career at Goodwill NNE. Amanda works full-time…