Goodwill

Anna Dunn

“It’s so wonderful to work here. I love my job.”

Nine years ago, while traveling on an icy road in Sandy, Oregon, Anna Dunn’s life changed forever. It was Christmas Eve. Inexperienced behind the wheel, the young eighteen year old was unable to control her car when it hit an icy patch.  Anna was trapped as her car slid across the street and plummeted down into a ravine. 

The injuries she sustained from the crash were tremendous. She spent a month in a coma and endured two surgeries. Even though the recovery process was slow and painful, Anna was determined to rebuild what had been damaged.  Her healing was both physical and emotional as she was faced a future full of new obstacles. Yet, if you ask her, she will tell you she is thankful. Her doctor told her only sixty percent of comatose patients with similar injuries survive. Furthermore, just one out of four injured people ever reach the level of functioning Anna finally achieved.  

Even though her injuries force Anna to walk with a prominent limp and her loss of short and long-term memory frustrates and embarrasses her, she has always remained determined to move forward with her life.  Within time, she was able to make the move to live semi-independently in an apartment complex for people with head injuries.

Unfortunately, securing a job was not going to be easy for the young woman.  Even though she contacted over 70 companies, Anna was only interviewed by four employers. Refusing to give up, Anna continued her search and one day approached Goodwill with the hope she could find employment with us. In January 2006, Goodwill and Anna joined forces when she accepted our offer to work in the production area of the Portland Superstore. 

For more than two years now, Anna has worked both Saturday and Sunday of each week. She now feels capable and useful.  “It’s so wonderful to work here. My boss is always making sure I’m okay. I love my job.” Anna tells us she is particularly proud because she knows her weekend work supports Goodwill’s mission, to provide vocational opportunities to people with barriers to employment.