Josh first came to Goodwill in 2014 through Vocational Rehabilitation, where he started job training. He had been in other programs in high school, but Goodwill was different. It gave him his first opportunity to earn a paycheck.
He worked as a participant at Goodwill until 2020. When the pandemic started, he had to find other work to support himself. That meant he was no longer part of the program. But in 2022, Goodwill asked him to return, but this time not as a participant, as a job coach.
“It’s been a very positive experience,” his supervisor said. “He’s reliable, dependable, and he’s only called in sick once. I’m proud of the accomplishments he’s made, and I’ve had other people tell me how much Josh has grown since he first started as a participant in 2014.”
A fellow job coach agreed, saying, “Josh is one of the hardest working people I know, he’s very dedicated to his work and his family.”
Now, Josh works with participants like Lyle, who enjoys scanning books and talking about Jurassic Park. As a job coach, Josh gets to support others the way he was once supported.
Looking back, Josh has come full circle at Goodwill. From starting as a young participant, to working in the community, and now helping others to succeed. His story is a reminder of how far hard work and dedication can take you.
