Today’s Success Story Friday is extra special, because October 1 marks the beginning of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and we’re taking this opportunity to urge employers to consider the unique talents, perspectives and contributions people with disabilities bring to the workplace. For decades, we’ve been giving participants in our employment programs the tools they need to find jobs, build their careers and become independent contributors to our communities.
This is Steven. He works as a sales associate at Old Navy on South Boulevard in Charlotte and loves his job so much, he says, that he’d work for free if he had to. The South Mecklenburg High School graduate, who has a mild disability, came to Goodwill for assessment, job readiness skills and to work with a job coach to transition into successful employment.
“It’s a perfect match,” says David Washam, job coach. “You have to be energetic, outgoing and be customer-service friendly at Old Navy. Steven has all of those qualities.”
Passionate about participating in Special Olympics and baseball, Steven hopes to one day have a role with a local minor league baseball team, similar to the equipment manager position he held previously for his high school team.
“Goodwill has taught me how to be responsible. I feel like I have mentors who will always be there to help me out,” says Steven, who plans to take classes at Central Piedmont Community College.
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