Before David came to Goodwill, finding a job was hard. He tried for a long time, but things didn’t work out. After enrolling with Idaho Vocational Rehabilitation, he came to Goodwill for a work assessment. The assessment showed that he was a good fit for the Medicaid Supported Employment program at Goodwill.
So, in April 2017, David started working at the Coeur d’Alene Goodwill store. At first, because of his anxiety and other barriers, he worked in the back where he didn’t have to talk with customers. This worked well for him for many years, but in 2025 his job coaches began to work one-on-one with David to improve his anxiety. With time and patience, he was able to build his confidence and customer service skills.
This is when things really began to change for David. He was able to start taking items to the sales floor, stock shelves, and practice his customer service with actual customers. He pushed himself, even when it felt scary. Step by step, he gained more confidence. And soon he was talking with customers every day, something he once avoided.
Now, David works on the retail floor every shift. He talks with customers, stocks shelves, and believes in his work abilities. He is even studying for his driver’s license now so he can be more independent. David said it best himself: “I am more independent and I do a good job.”
David is also inspiring the people who work with him, because he is building skills that can help him in his relationships and his everyday life. His courage and steady growth show everyone that with time and encouragement, you can overcome any obstacle.