The following account is from Goodwill’s Goodworks program, a United Way partner. Your contributions to United Way of Kennebec Valley made this story possible.

Success comes in all shapes and sizes. Goodworks staff always strives to build positive relationships with participants that allow participants to have the courage and support to achieve personal goals and aspirations. One individual staying at the homeless shelter wanted to get back into the workforce. He had an extensive work history and many skills to offer an employer. He had been applying for jobs online for months, but no employers were calling him for job interviews. With no transportation and the list of job applications he completed growing every day his outlook on gaining employment was becoming bleak. He and the Employment Specialist crafted a plan focused on meeting with employers connected to Goodworks. The Goodworks participant and Employment Specialist met with these employers, had job shadows, and then scheduled interviews. An owner of a local business offered this participant a position maintaining commercial properties part time for 15 hours a week to start. When the participant got his first paycheck, the Employment Specialist brought him to a local bank and helped him open a checking account.

One success often leads to other successes. This positive interaction with an employer opened the door for another Goodworks participant to be hired at the same company. The two participants arranged to carpool to and from the workplace, alleviating the challenge of transportation and forming a friendship. Both individuals have increased their work hours and have moved into a Bread of Life supported apartment. The individual has stated to the Employment Specialist that he feels more involved in the community. Having continued supports from area outreach programs and the support of Goodworks has allowed him to experience personal success.