Myles’ Path to Confidence and Community with Goodwill Northern New England

Myles greets customers with a smile at the Rockland Hannaford, where he works as a bagger. His positive attitude, strong work ethic, and welcoming presence make him a familiar and appreciated part of the store.

“I do a good job,” Myles said with a smile. “I enjoy doing the bagging.”

He connected with Goodwill Northern New England in 2022 through the Vocational Rehabilitation program, which supports people with disabilities in finding meaningful employment. A job coach guided him, and a welcoming employer helped him step into a role that fits his strengths and brings him joy.

His grandmother, Cathy, has raised him since he was three. She supported him during job training and saw how the Hannaford team helped him feel prepared and confident.

“They went above and beyond to make sure he understood what his job was going to be and what was expected of him,” Cathy said. “They accommodated his schedule and his learning style.”

At first, Myles worked closely with his job coach. As he gained experience, he grew more confident and independent.

“I always peek to see how he’s doing when I go in to shop,” Cathy said. “He’s gotten a lot more confident. He knows what he’s supposed to do, and he’s proud of it.”

Myles takes pride in his work and values the opportunity to contribute to his community. His job has helped him build confidence and independence. The community clearly values him in return.

“No matter where we go, someone comes up and says, ‘Hi Myles, how are you? Do you remember me?’” Cathy said. “He’s a celebrity in this area.”

Cathy encourages other families to explore Goodwill’s workforce programs.

“I would highly recommend it,” she said. “It’s a way for young people to become more independent and feel like they’re taking care of themselves. I really value that.”

Goodwill Northern New England’s Vocational Rehabilitation program helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and succeed in meaningful jobs. The program offers one-on-one support from job coaches, helps participants identify their strengths and interests, and provides guidance through every step of the employment process. It includes resume building, on-the-job training, and connections to inclusive employers who create supportive workplaces. For many, like Myles, this program opens the door to greater independence, confidence, and community connection.

Myles shows up to work with pride and purpose. His story reminds us that with the right support, everyone can find a place to shine.

Goodwill Northern New England is a local nonprofit dedicated to investing in people. Goodwill NNE provides comprehensive support to those facing barriers to achieving their work and life goals. Our Workforce Services serve thousands of individuals each year – including our own teammates! Our holistic approach to employment combines the best practices of social work and workforce development. Goodwill NNE stores embody our mission and drive sustainability through re-use, while offering good jobs and free supports to all employees. Goodwill NNE operates in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. For more information visit GoodwillNNE.org.