Select a story below to see how Goodwill changes people’s lives.

• Rhonda Gill
  

  Determination, a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, and a quiet strength make Rhonda Gill a success in the workplace and in life.

  Working for Goodwill Commercial Services since 1983, Rhonda helps assemble laboratory kits and subassemble medical supplies for Covance.

  “I like working at Goodwill and meeting new friends, new people,” she says. “Goodwill helps me do anything.” Rhonda, who has a developmental disability and significant medical issues, exhibits a strength and determination that have grown from her background.

  “Rhonda comes from southern Indiana, and she was employed in a sheltered workshop,” said Rita Guhr, employment resource development specialist for Goodwill. “There were times that her family didn’t have enough money to pay for gas to get her to her job, and at those times, Rhonda would walk into town from this rural area just so she could go to work. Her job means that much to her.”

  In 1984, shortly after moving to Indianapolis and starting at Goodwill, Rhonda’s life was suddenly turned upside-down.

  “I was in a group home, and I got a long-distance phone call from a relative back home, and they told me that my family was killed in a house fire – my mother, father, sister and brother, and my cousin,” Rhonda says. “It was sad.” Despite this devastating personal tragedy, Rhonda persevered, learning to live independently, to manage her finances, and to seek out assistance available to her. She also has enjoyed participating in the Special Olympics since childhood.

  “Rhonda’s exceptional because I see her always trying to motivate herself and make herself better,” says Walter Bebley, team lead for Covance. “She works hard at trying to achieve new goals. If she accomplishes goals like she takes on work habits, she can do anything she wants.”

• Matt Catron
  

  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."

• Earl Kirkwood
  

  Known as a quiet leader who sets a good example, Earl is one of the highest-producing employees folding bags for Covance in Commercial Services, Goodwill’s assembly and packaging operation. The Mississippi native grew up on a farm, where he developed his strong work ethic.

  "You work when you work, and you play when you play," he says. "You constantly believe you can do something, and you can really do it."

  Diagnosed in 1980 with a degenerative visual impairment, Earl had to quit his job as a truck driver. He came to Goodwill 15 years ago looking for a job to better support himself and his family.

  Becky Markley, Employee Resource and Development Specialist, says Earl has reached the point in his career where most people would retire. Instead, Earl, who is legally blind and has other medical conditions, is a leader.

  "Earl is one of those people that you really rely on. He’s here every day. He’s always on time. He’s a high producer. He focuses on his work," she says. "He’s one of those people that you really wish there were more of out on the work floor."

• 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."