Our Story
Finding His Stride: William’s Story
William admits he wasn’t sure if he could ever hold a job long-term. He wasn’t sure if any job would feel just right for him. That is, until he found his perfect match in Goodwill of Orange County’s e-books shipping department.
William is now solely responsible for shipping out every e-book purchase made from Goodwill of Orange County’s inventory. He has the rhythm down, he knows and understands his role and responsibilities, and he’s really good at it. In a day, he ships anywhere between 600 and 800 books. Beyond mastering his skills, he’s also overcome his social anxieties and challenges, built up his confidence and formed true friendships with his co-workers.
“Since starting work at Goodwill, I’ve improved quite a bit in my social skills. I’m an introvert, I’m not as sociable, but it gave me the chance to open the door and interact with a lot more people,” William said. “I was able to expand my horizons and see so many possibilities of what I can do in my life.”
William found his perfect job match through Goodwill of Orange County’s Disabilities Services program Supported Employment.
Supported Employment provides people with developmental disabilities with job preparation and job placement services. Alongside an Employment Training Specialist, each individual receives hands-on, one-on-one support to find the right job as well as on-site support once placed into employment.
William’s Employment Training Specialist Scott says the change he’s seen in William is incredible.
“What I’ve noticed the most is the change in his self-confidence. When he first started, he was doubting himself and deferring a lot to me. But now that he’s doing the shipping, he can take care of the process from start to finish. I’ve been able to watch him blossom and see his personality really come out.
It’s been exciting to see William have this complete change in the way he’s progressed in his employment. And he’s only three years in. He loves what he’s doing and the people he works with, so it’s only going to go up from here.”
To see an individual hit their stride and find joy and purpose through their job, that’s true and lifelong impact. That’s why Goodwill of Orange County exists.
Contact
Goodwill of Orange County
410 North Fairview Street
Santa Ana, CA 92703
Danielle Sheets
danielles@ocgoodwill.org
Phone: 714-547-6308
https://www.ocgoodwill.org