Category: Success Stories

When Benjamin Leavitt joined LearningWorks YouthBuild, he was looking for a fresh start. Like many young people ages 16-24, finishing school and finding a career felt daunting. YouthBuild gave him the tools, and the confidence, to make it happen. Through the program, Benjamin earned his HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) and gained hands-on experience in construction and culinary arts. He…

Jonathan is working toward a career as an electrician, a goal that has been his top priority since he discovered the field. His passion for electricity and determination to succeed make him stand out. “I love electricity,” Jonathan said. “It’s something I’ve always loved, but I never thought I could put it into use helping people.” He connected with Goodwill…

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…

John Arsenault has been a dedicated team member at the Goodwill store in Auburn, Maine, for more than 18 years. But his inspiring journey began long before he joined the retail team.  In 1985, John survived a life-changing accident that left him in a coma. When he woke up, he had to relearn how to walk and talk. It was…

As Aidan, a Goodwill sales associate, carefully arranges a display of delicate glass flower vases, his face lights up with joy. Moments later, a pair of customers approaches the register, and Aidan greets them with a warm smile. He swiftly and accurately processes their purchases, radiating pride in his work. For Aidan, this is more than just a job; it’s…

Frederick Ndabaramiye has overcome many hardships since he was young, yet he remains positive and an inspiration to others. Frederick is from Rwanda and lived there during the Rwandan genocide. When he was 15-years-old in Rwanda, he was attacked and his hands were cut off. This didn’t stop Frederick or break his spirit. He has big dreams: To keep working…

Leon Proctor wishes everyone knew that not all people who are blind or visually impaired are the same. Leon is blind and he said while some people with blindness need a lot of help, that isn’t always the case.  “I wish people would ask blind people if they need help, not just assume,” Leon said. “It affects me every day….

Alexis Wyman is a school-based Vocational Rehabilitation Career Advisor for Bootcamp, Goodwill’s work-readiness program for students with disabilities. December marked her fourth year with Goodwill. Alexis said she works for Goodwill because she loves what we stand for. “I love that every day at my job, I get to help someone learn the skills of self-advocacy and make them feel empowered…

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…