Success Stories

Auria Maldonado

“I would not be here and doing this today without Goodwill.”

As a child, Auria suffered an illness that caused an acquired brain injury resulting in memory loss, paralysis and social difficulties. Auria enrolled in Goodwill’s “School to Work Transition” Program where she participated in vocational exploration activities and learned job seeking and retention skills. Goodwill staff worked with her daily to teach her workplace and social skills and to help her build confidence. She applied for a kitchen staff job at ABCD in Bridgeport, interviewed and received a job offer two weeks later.

Auria has developed a worth ethic that has made her stand out among her co-workers, making her an asset to her employer. She has worked hard to overcome the obstacles that impaired her ability to function competitively and is thrilled with her new job.

Judd Berkowitz

“The skills and knowledge that I have acquired at Goodwill have helped me believe in myself, and I am certain that this experience will have an extremely positive impact on the rest of my life.”

When Judd was referred to Goodwill by the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, a Goodwill employment specialist provided job readiness skills and job development. With perseverance and hard work, Judd successfully completed a working interview with Goodwill’s E-Books department and was hired as a shipping and data entry clerk.

Judd has become an inspiration to other program participants at Goodwill. He is a fine example of a determined individual who has worked hard and gained not only a job but a better quality of life. Now that he has overcome his barriers to employment, becoming self sufficient is a realistic goal.

Glen Ingram

I like this job, and everybody works very hard. I hope to be working in the community shortly.

While continually improving his production skills, Glen has helped provide a pleasant atmosphere at Goodwill’s Transitional Employment Program in Stamford. Helping staff and co-workers whenever possible, he makes everyone feel like a part of the team, keeping morale high.

In pursuit of his goal of eventually pursuing competitive work in the community, he is looking forward to a working evaluation in a gym or sports environment. He hopes this opportunity will provide him with a better idea of his options so that he can plan his career.

William Junget

“Goodwill has helped me learn how to get along better with people and learn new skills. I love working at Goodwill.”

William was referred to Goodwill by the Department of Developmental Services in May 2007. He started working in the Transitional Employment Program and quickly demonstrated that he is a hard worker. Several months later, William expressed an interest in joining the Good and Clean enclave to assist with maintenance at Goodwill headquarters.

Recently, he started training at the Ella Grasso Center with the Goodwill cleaning crew there. He made quite an impression and is now permanent at this location. Every day he goes to the center where his job is to mop the floors in two different buildings.

William knows his job well and enjoys going to work. He grabs every opportunity to help when he sees there is work to be done.

Shayleen Miranda

“Goodwill has given me the opportunity to go to school and work so that I can buy the things I need.”

Shayleen has been diagnosed with a brain injury. A Goodwill staff member travels to her home five days a week to provide independent living skills training, companion and pro-vocational services.

Shayleen has been working on home maintenance, appropriate dress and cooking skills. She has also made great strides in the community, obtaining a volunteer role at a community food pantry.

In a very short period of time, Shayleen has made significant improvements. She is an active participant in her daughter’s life, volunteers her time to the local community and is working to better herself through education.

Burton Rosenbaum

“I love my job. It keeps me busy. I love staying busy. I hope to stay at Whole Foods forever.”

Burt works in the Group Supported Employment program through Goodwill’s Hartford Employment Center. For the last three years, he has been part of a Goodwill enclave that works at the Whole Foods Organic Market. Prior to joining Goodwill, he lived a sheltered life at the Mansfield Academy.

Burt lives in his own apartment with support staff and attends Goodwill’s employment program three days a week. His regular job duties at the market include keeping the public eating area clean, restocking the utensils and general customer service. Burt comes to work with a positive outlook. He has a strong attendance record and a great work ethic.