Goodwill

Johnny Beckhardt

“Thanks for giving my son a chance.”

Watch a video about Johnny.

Johnny Beckhardt joined our Goodwill family in Dallas, Oregon on January 2, 2003. He was frightened, profoundly insecure, with the cognitive ability of a six-year-old.

Goodwill's retail facility in Dallas is designed to provide vocational training to people with multiple, severe disabilities. Our staff provided Beckhardt with a continuum of services focused on improving his self-esteem, basic vocational training and appropriate workplace behaviors.

During the past several years, Beckhardt has demonstrated remarkable progress. He now interacts cheerfully with coworkers and shoppers. His workplace behaviors are exemplary. His productivity has increased from nearly 0 to 50% of the community norm. Beckhardt has blossomed at Goodwill. 

Johnny Beckhardt is an inspiration to all who know him. The full impact of his achievements can only be understood if one has an insight into the powerful relationship between him and his father, Butch Beckhardt. Beckhardt, Sr., himself has an extremely serious heart condition. He is and has been for years living "on borrowed time." Beckhardt, Sr., is an advocate for people with disabilities, an outspoken champion of Goodwill, and above all, a loving, compassionate and genuinely proud father.

Beckhardt, Jr.’s transformation from a frightened, withdrawn person who feared almost all human contact to a productive, confident and integrated young man is a product of his father's devotion coupled with Goodwill's intervention.