Oct 1, 2024
Success Story
Nathan
Nathan’s journey with Goodwill began in 2015 when he entered our Work Center through the work readiness and skill-building program. With determination and hard work, Nathan significantly enhanced his employability skills, culminating in the successful completion of a 12-week janitorial training program. This program combined classroom instruction with practical, hands-on experience at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp.
The knowledge and skills Nathan acquired during his training proved invaluable in helping him secure a janitorial position at Wendy’s, where he has been employed since December 2022. Initially, Nathan required full-time, shoulder-to-shoulder support from a job coach. However, within a few months, he mastered his responsibilities, improved his social skills, and embraced his independence.
Today, Nathan requires only one weekly check-in from his job coach—a testament to his outstanding progress. He has also increased his work hours and demonstrates his commitment by riding his bike to and from work. His dedication to customer service shines through as he warmly greets customers and opens doors for them as they enter the Wendy’s dining room. His supervisors note that Nathan arrives for every shift with a positive attitude, always greeting both his co-workers and customers with a smile.
Nathan’s journey is a powerful example of how support services can unlock the potential within each individual to overcome obstacles and achieve personal and professional growth. His unwavering commitment to his job and self-improvement makes him a deserving nominee for recognition.
It is a privilege to nominate Nathan as Goodwill's candidate for the Workforce Subcommittee of the Muskegon County Intellectual and Developmental Disability System of Care Consortium. His story is a true inspiration, and we have no doubt that Nathan will continue to achieve great things in the future.