Category: Success Stories

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…

Recently, one morning, the Workforce Solutions* office in Portland, Maine was bustling with activity. Ken Hull, Program Coordinator, popped up from his desk. With a big smile, he greeted a young woman, who was holding a baby in a carrier. Not knowing where to start, she expressed her interest in a pursuing nursing career. Ken shared some entry-level training programs…

When Melissa Price first walked into Goodwill’s LifeWorks Deaf Services she thought, “I think I’m home.” With her degree in Linguistics and American Sign Language (ASL), she was initially not sure what to do when she graduated. But, after hearing her classmates talk about LifeWorks Deaf Services, she found her way there initially as a volunteer. It wasn’t long before…

A few months ago, Tammy Parker made her dream come true and now works at the Mill Creek store in South Portland, Maine. Tammy doesn’t have a car, so she walks across the Casco Bay bridge to work every day. She loves her job so much, and says all of her coworkers are nice, helping each other get their work…

Rajaa Allahan picked up a kids’ board game called Guess Who? from the blue hamper full of items. She deftly flipped it around, looked inside, and placed a $2 tag on it. Her hands moved fast as she reached for the next donated item. Once she reviews and tags the items, she places them on the sales floor. Rajaa can…

In the summer of 2021, Emma Robbins got into a car accident. Doctors were unsure if Emma would survive. She drove her car off the road, and suffered from a traumatic brain injury on impact that she is still recovering from today. Since she was a teenager, Emma battled with drug and alcohol abuse and received treatment a few times. She…