Nov 20, 2023
Success Story
Sheyenne
Sheyenne was referred to Goodwill for an On the Job Evaluation (OJE) at Goodwill’s Muskegon-Apple retail store by Michigan Rehabilitative Services (MRS). An OJE determines if an individual is able to work in a particular job, and what additional supports might be necessary to ensure success. The goal is that the individual is successful and secures a permanent job.
After determining Sheyenne could handle the tasks involved, she was enrolled in Goodwill’s Supported Employment program and assigned Goodwill Job Coach Leann Broughton to help her learn the duties of the job and evaluate her progress. Sheyenne performed very well and was eventually offered a position and hired in as a retail associate at the store.
Sheyenne is now thriving at her job. She struggles with intellectual and attention deficit disorders, but thanks to her hard work and support from Goodwill and HealthWest, Sheyenne has learned to overcome these obstacles. “When Sheyenne first came to us, she was shy and afraid to ask questions,” said Goodwill Assistant Manager Char Duchemin. “In time, as she learned her responsibilities, she got more comfortable with it.”
Leann credits Sheyenne’s hard work to her success. “She’s an incredibly hard worker,” Leann said. “She truly wants to learn and improve and now doesn’t hesitate to ask questions.” Sheyenne is now receiving long-term, follow-up services and is visited at the store by a Goodwill job coach once per week, or whenever she needs extra supports.
In addition to having a Goodwill job coach, Sheyenne also receives assistance from her HealthWest supports coordinator for wraparound support to guarantee her success. HealthWest Supports Coordinator Rhiannon McIntosh works with Sheyenne to help her stay on track to meet the goals she set for herself. “She has shown so much excitement and enthusiasm towards growing in life,” Rhiannon said.
“Goodwill is one of the few places I feel like I fit in,” Sheyenne said about her work at Goodwill. “No matter how different I am, I can wear my hats, my headbands, and stuff that shows my personality a little bit. Goodwill got me out of my shell more.” Sheyenne’s favorite section at work is the craft aisle. “I’m a little crafty at home and whenever it’s disorganized it drives me up a wall.”
Sheyenne has become a solid Goodwill employee and continues to work hard and grow at her job. “Sheyenne is the kind of person you really want working for you, because she wants to do a good job,” Char said.
On the Job Evaluation (OJE)
On the Job Evaluation or OJE, is a community-based evaluation completed in a Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) setting to assess customer capabilities, or potential to acquire skills, knowledge, or experience in employment activities towards support of an employment goal.
Supported Employment
Targeted primarily toward people with developmental disabilities or mental impairment, this model of service provides one-on-one training and on-going support for a successful transition to community-based employment. The program combines community job development, job coaching, and long-term follow-up to maximize employment potential.