Siouxland Magazine - Volume 2 Issue 2

Today, Jon works for 1st Class Security as a Gatekeeper
at Menards. He has found an apartment and is gaining
independence. Jon credits Chasity and his Goodwill family
for the support and encouragement they have given him to
be the best version of himself.
A job opportunity can make a dramatic difference in
someone’s life. It only takes one job to help individuals
gain independence and a sense of pride. Goodwill’s job
training programs have helped many individuals receive
job opportunities right here in the Siouxland region helping
the community thrive and grow.
Siouxland Magazine | Inspire /25
Nicole working in the dish room at Morningside College.
become an inspiration to everyone she meets,” Christine
shared with pride.
Before Jon came to Goodwill, he had been misunderstood
most of his life. His family led him to believe he wouldn’t
amount to much of anything and would never become
independent. Because this mindset was instilled in him
throughout his life, Jon struggled to find his place.
Several dead-end jobs later, Jon was referred to Goodwill’s
Employment Skills Training program that teaches
individuals the hard and soft skills needed to be successful
in the workplace. Jon’s life changed forever when he
found a mentor and friend in Chasity Colton, Employment
Specialist for Goodwill.
Chasity saw Jon’s potential because he came to work with a
positive attitude and took pride in his job. After completing
the Employment Skills Training Program, Chasity helped
Jon find a job at Shopko as a Hardlines Team Associate. Jon
loved his job at ShopKo and appreciated the opportunity
he was given.
Jon working hard as a Gatekeeper for 1st Class Security.
On his last day of work at Shopko, Jon was presented with
the Star Service Champion Award by Cynthia, Assistant
Manager at Shopko. Jon was presented with this award
because he went above and beyond the expectations that
had been set and went the extra mile for the customers.
Jon was in tears. This was a defining moment for Jon when
he learned, “People in the community see me for who I am.”
Individuals with barriers come from many different
backgrounds, experiences, and circumstances but have
one thing in common. They want to succeed and have a
sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. Nicole and
Jon are incredible individuals that needed support through
Goodwill Job Training Programs, mentors, and support
systems who believed in their potential.
Shawn Fick, Director of Mission Services, explains
“Partnering with Goodwill is a long-term investment for
businesses. The benefits of employing individuals with
barriers are tremendous. You have loyal, hardworking
individuals who are appreciative of the opportunities you
gave to them. The only thing a business needs to give these
individuals is a chance. A chance to prove themselves and
what they can do.”
Goodwill Job Training Programs give individuals the tools
necessary to sharpen their skills, meet new challenges,
and create more rewarding and independent lives. When
individuals come to Goodwill, the challenges they face are
assessed and opportunities for improvement are identified.
They are placed in the appropriate training program and
are mentored by a Skills Trainer or Job Coach. Together,
realistic goals are set along with a plan to meet the goals.
According to Cindy Wilde, Mission Coordinator, “It might
take years for individuals to reach these goals, but we
continue to support these individuals. We do not give up
on them.”
Goodwill changes people’s lives every day and continues to
inspire individuals to become better today than they were
yesterday. Goodwill’s mission is to serve as an advocate
for economic self-sufficiency through employment and
education. For more information on Goodwill Training
Programs visit our website at goodwillgreatplains.org or
our Facebook page at Goodwill Great Plains. For more
stories on individuals who overcame significant barriers,
visit our blog at goodwillgreatplains.org/blog.
Carissa Chatfield, Public Relations Specialist at Goodwill of
the Great Plains, is dedicated to sharing stories of individuals
whose lives have been significantly impacted by Goodwill’s
mission.
Photos contributed by Carissa Chatfield.