Goodwill Success Story

Goodwill's mission is to provide skills training, job development, and social services to New Mexicans.  We generate revenue to fund our mission by selling gently used items.  This funding allows us to offer many services to help our community.  Our free services and programs include Gateway to Work Employer Services, GoodJobs, GoodSkills, Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, Production Assistant Training, Supportive Services for Veteran Families, Veteran Family Services, and the Senior Community Service Employment Program.

In 2021, we successfully supported 118 Veteran families, 279 homeless Veterans, 680 Veteran families, and more.  One of those successes is Abel.  Abel has extreme anxiety, which has made it increasingly difficult to find employment.  Additionally, Abel has minimal customer service and cashier skills.  He was looking for an opportunity to enhance his skills and abilities while overcoming his disability and decided to enroll in Goodwill's Senior Community Service Employment Program.  Abel was eager for a chance to get back into the workforce but was extremely nervous about where he would train, and he did not want to be in a place with numerous co-workers or customers.

Abel was placed at the Habitat for Humanity Restore in the receiving area.  This allowed him to train in an area away from the busyness of the store and customers.  Over six months, Abel has found ways to break out of his anxiety and progress with his training.  Abel has been a remarkable trainee and is showing significant improvement.  He is becoming confident in his ability to communicate with staff and customers.  He is more relaxed and happier.  Abel is now assisting customers with their many home improvement needs and shows promise of being able to complete his training and re-enter the workforce soon.​  (stock image used to protect privacy)

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