Tony has worked at Goodwill for over 10 years. In that time, he has learned many life skills and made strong friendships. But life wasn’t always like this for him.
Before joining the DDA program at Goodwill—a program that supports people with developmental disabilities—Tony’s days were quiet.
He didn’t have many chances to be independent. Without help finding a job, it was hard for him to work. Life without work can feel lonely and sad, and Tony needed to find purpose.
And that’s what happened when Tony became part of the Goodwill family.
His job has helped him learn new skills and earn his own money. He uses his money to pay for things he needs. Tony is proud to be independent. He can clock in and out by himself and starts working right away by himself too. He knows what to do and how to do it. He even helps other team members when they need support.
For Tony, work is more than just a job. And it means more than just a paycheck. It gives him a steady routine, friendships, and a strong sense of purpose. He enjoys coming to work and being part of the Goodwill team. And his journey shows us how important supported employment is because it can open the door to independence, confidence, and connection.
His hard work also earned him an award. This year, Tony was honored with an Independence Award—a special way to show how much he’s grown.
Today, Tony’s life is full. He has work, friends, and a place where he belongs. At the Moses Lake Goodwill, he is not just an employee—he is family. As his program manager said, “He is a part of a family outside of his family. The Goodwill in Moses Lake is a family, and he is a very special part of that family.”