Timothy Stoveken
"Goodwill has supported me and made me a stronger person. They helped me follow directions and multi-task. They gave me motivation in the morning to go to work because I was never a morning person. Now I get up with no problem because Goodwill gave me a job that I like."
Timothy has short term memory impairment and weakness in the right leg due to a brain injury. He has a hard time walking or standing for long periods of time and uses a brace for added support. Tim also has other health issues that pose a challenge to him daily. At times he may feel fatigued or have bad headaches but Tim continues to persevere. Timothy receives Independent Living Skills Training, Community Living Support, and Prevocational Services from Goodwill.
Tim demonstrates a strong will and tenacity towards maintaining employment. He goes to work as scheduled and completes all tasks that are assigned to him. Despite health concerns, Tim performs his vocational duties and has a great sense of humor and a pleasant attitude.
Jennifer DiCaprio
“I am very happy to be doing this job at this college. I feel that the environment is more enjoyable than in the back room of a store. The people have been great and I am glad that Goodwill was able to provide this opportunity.”
Jennifer was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury at 3 yrs of age as a result of a being struck by a car. Jennifer has endured numerous surgeries for leg and eye impairments. She is fitted with a leg brace and uses the support of a cane. She experiences short term memory loss but with repetitive learning processes and small written notes she accomplishes her tasks completely and in a timely manner.
Jennifer receives job site development, job placement and job retention services from Goodwill. Jennifer was hired by Chartwell's Dining Services located at Sacred Heart University after successfully completing a working interview. She has become a viable and important part of the Food Services team and is known as “the Coffee Barista.” Jennifer keeps the java coming for tired and thirsty college students. She is enjoying her new position and has successfully met 90-day employment with little on-site support.
Ralph Branch
"Goodwill staff has helped me to build a better life. The job coaches are very helpful and everyone is there for me when I need them. I have a job that I love and I have made a lot of progress in the 7 years I have been here."
Ralph Branch is a 48- year old male diagnosed with Schizophrenia, Dyspepsia and Substance Abuse. Ralph receives support services 24/7 under our DMHAS Supervised Apartment program. In addition to living in our Wahlstrom Residence, Ralph works at Goodwill in our Transitional Employment Program and is a regular employee in our Transportation Department.
Ralph has been at Goodwill for seven years. His attendance and punctuality are excellent and he never has any difficulty following his work regime. Although his job coach and case manager saw the potential for growth and advancement into the community workforce Ralph resisted the idea.
Over the past year Ralph made a significant transformation and now has two jobs. He has a job at Stop & Shop and still works in the Transportation Department here at Goodwill.. Ralph has become more confident and sees himself as an asset to others. He has also seen the reward of making more money than he is used to. Ralph has become an example to coworkers and peers that aiming and attaining high goals is achievable, you just have to have the courage to believe in yourself.
Kevin Pirro
“Goodwill has done very well in helping me achieve my goals”
Kevin has mild intellectual disabilities and Cerebral Palsy. He receives Employment Services, Job Coaching, Job Development and Case Management from Goodwill. Kevin’s work ethic and dedication to quality work demonstrate the benefits of using Goodwill’s services both in-house and in the community.
Kevin has received repeated praise from administrators and patrons for his dedication to work assignments at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Stamford. Kevin cleans the church on weekdays as part of an enclave and for two hours on Saturday by himself without a job coach.
Kevin also works at the Stamford Transitional Employment Program completing industrial contact assignments and helping with the janitorial services when needed.
Kevin has fulfilled his goals of increased independence, working at a competitive rate in the community and increasing his income. This has allowed Kevin the resources to spend more time enjoying activities such as catching a play in NYC, engaging in sports programs, and spending longer periods at Summer Camp. Kevin has also demonstrated a willingness to go beyond expectations and help out his co-workers. Kevin’s generous nature is an asset to Goodwill and its employment services goal.
Charlie Rivera
“Goodwill has been helpful with finding me a job, from the start on the contracts floor to where I am now.”
Charlie Rivera has mild intellectual disabilities and speaks primarily Spanish. He receives Case Management, Transitional Employment Program Services (job coaching and occupational skills training) and Community Employment Services (job development, placement and retention).
Charlie Rivera started at Goodwill November 2005 in the Transitional Employment Program. He was very hesitant about working in the community. Charlie worked with staff to improve his work skills and increase his confidence. Charlie eventually found the courage to try a job in the community. He was referred to the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services and our Community Employment Services program. He was hired at Pembroke cleaners in Bridgeport in September 2007. Charlie is very reliable, a hard worker, and a team player. He is very pleasant and friendly to his co-workers. Charlie started working part-time, two days per week, and has increased his work schedule to five days a week.
Charlie also continues to work competitively at Goodwill completing custodial and material handling duties after he completes his shift at the cleaners. He is a dedicated employee at Goodwill and a valued employee at Pembroke Cleaners.
Eric Smith
“I had been working with my employment specialist for about a year before actually finding this opportunity at the Brookfield store. It has helped me become more independent.”
Eric Smith came to Goodwill in January of 2008 through a referral from the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services. He had not worked in several years due to health issues, but was now anxious to find part-time work.
The Employment Specialist assigned to Eric has known him and his wife for over twenty years. She knew he was very motivated, a hard worker, and that he had a good personality for dealing with the public. There were some physical issues to deal with, but Eric was most definitely employable. Eric explored many different opportunities with his Employment Specialist, both daytime and overnight positions. Jobs explored included delivery positions, counter work, stocking shelves, taxi driving and retail positions.
When obstacles were thrown in his path, Eric did not become discouraged. He never gave up! Eric’s employment specialist spoke with his counselor from BRS about openings at the Goodwill store in Brookfield, CT. Eric went through the application and interview process, and it looked to be a good fit. He started on-the-job training at Goodwill at the beginning of July. He is a hard worker and never hesitates to take on new responsibilities. His working hours have been increased. Eric has been discharged from Goodwill's Employment Services Program. He is competitively employed at the Goodwill retail store in Brookfield, CT.
