Success Stories

MATT CATRON

Click to watch a video about Matt

Matt Catron works at a quick pace in Goodwill's Commercial Services facility, assembling boxes for CPS, a Carmel-based company that produces corrugated bakery pads, circles and trays.

When Matt came to Goodwill in 1999 with the School-To-Work program, he had difficultly communicating with anyone who could not understand American Sign Language. Initially, he worked part time in the Commercial Services Division while completing his high school education at the Indiana School for the Deaf. When he graduated the following spring, Matt continued his employment with Goodwill full-time.

His career path has led him to three different Goodwill sites, and in eight years on the job, he has learned to take the city bus system to work, taken the initiative to learn computer skills and troubleshoot problems with technology, and improved his communication with co-workers who are not familiar with American Sign Language, becoming more confident on the job. "I get a lot of support," Matt says. "My main goal is to be here. I really enjoy making boxes, and I can do them very quickly."

His supervisors say that it has been rewarding to see Matt grow from a high school student to a mature young man. They now describe him as an employee who is responsible and conscientious, a problem-solver who takes initiative to help others, and a co-worker who is amiable and has a great sense of humor.

"It's fun to work here," Matt says. "I'm proud that I'm able to earn some money and bring home a paycheck."

MARK WILLIS
Mark Willis motivates and inspires those around him as he quietly and quickly completes his work in Goodwill's Commercial Services Division. When Mark began working at Goodwill in 1994, he was unable to walk without assistance because of injuries he suffered in an automobile accident, and he exhibited chronic problems with attendance as he struggled with some personal barriers that affected his dependability.

With a great deal of individual determination and effort, Mark is now able to walk on his own and has learned the value of hard work. He arrives at work well before his scheduled start time and is one of the top producers in his area. "I feel very proud of myself. I beat the barriers," Mark said. "Goodwill gave me the motivation."