Siouxland Magazine - Volume 2 Issue 2
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
<strong>Siouxland</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> | Inspire /24<br />
Jon and his mentor, Chasity<br />
Goodwill Is Changing Lives<br />
By Carissa Chatfield<br />
“With nowhere to go it was such a relief coming<br />
home every night to my own place.” Many individuals<br />
who arrive at Goodwill need someone to believe in them.<br />
Two special individuals overcame significant obstacles in their<br />
life and worked hard to become independent because of<br />
their amazing mentors and support systems who encouraged<br />
and guided them every step of the way.<br />
At Morningside College, you can find Nicole busily working<br />
in the dish room with a smile on her face. As soon as you<br />
meet Nicole you know she loves her job and is proud of the<br />
work she accomplishes. “I work hard, and do my best, Nicole<br />
proudly states. Part of Nicole’s strong support system is her<br />
tight-knit family because they are proud of her and support<br />
everything she does and her mentor, Christine who always<br />
believed in her potential.<br />
A few years ago, Nicole completed the Pre-Vocational Training<br />
Program. (A program providing job training for individuals<br />
with disabilities or mental illness. Pre-Vocational Services are<br />
available for up to two years to support additional soft skill<br />
development as the participant becomes work-ready). Nicole<br />
struggled during her community supported employment<br />
training. In particular, she didn’t like wiping down tables in the<br />
cafeteria. It wasn’t fast-paced, and she found herself bored<br />
with the job quickly. Nicole didn’t know how to communicate<br />
this struggle with her manager appropriately.<br />
Nicole and her mentor, Christine<br />
Christine McCullough, Nicole’s Skills Trainer, recognized<br />
Nicole needed help with communication. Christine worked<br />
with Nicole to find job duties she would like and identified<br />
tools to help her better communicate. The encouragement<br />
and support Christine gave Nicole inspired her to become<br />
more confident in herself. Nicole communicates her<br />
concerns directly with her supervisor and adapts to change<br />
in her routine thanks to Christine’s encouragement.<br />
Christine believes Nicole’s life dramatically changed<br />
because of Goodwill training programs. “Being in the<br />
community helped her become independent. Nicole<br />
genuinely wants to succeed, and Goodwill has helped her