Goodwill

A Survivor’s Story

“My boss is really nice, and I like my coworkers. I also like the shoppers who come in the store. It’s nice here.”

When Robert Harris was a child growing up in New Orleans, he did not dwell much on the development and learning disabilities he had to cope with on a daily basis. Though he did not speak until he was nearly six years old, the familial support he received made many of his challenges easier to bear. Alongside his five brothers and sisters, Robert grew up in a household full of love and kindness.  His grandmother, Ms. Lucy, was the main reason Robert rarely felt different than his friends.

In addition to the love and guidance he received from his grandmother, Robert lived within a supportive community that embraced him. He enjoyed the friendships of many and after graduating from special education classes, Robert found employment at a local grocery store. But, in 2005, Robert’s life was drastically altered when he watched in horror as Hurricane Katrina devastated his city of New Orleans.

Forced to leave the flooded city, Robert and his family relocated to Oregon. Though they found a house to share, securing steady employment proved to be difficult. Robert decided to seek help, and in January 2008, he entered Goodwill’s Job Connection program and met with Employment Specialist, Pam Mitchell. After obtaining Robert’s employment history, she discovered his past included a court offense that prevented him from being hired at most places, including Goodwill.

Determined to help Robert, Pam contacted a New Orleans prosecutor to learn more about his record. Thanks to her efforts, additional investigation proved Robert innocent of any wrongdoing. The charges were dropped and his record cleared when the alleged victim recanted her statement. Finally, with his past truly behind him, Robert was able to secure a job with a national delivery company.  Unfortunately, the job did not last long because Robert often forgot his schedule, as well as the tasks he was assigned.

He returned to Goodwill after the company dismissed him. This time, he met with Becki Martin, LTS Senior Program Manager. She helped Robert gain entry into Goodwill’s Production and Contracts (PAC) program where he was given an opportunity to build job skills, receive training and earn a paycheck. After meeting with success in PAC, Robert was ready for a new challenge so he began work in the Portland Superstore. Robert is quick to smile when he talks about working at Goodwill. He says, “My boss is really nice, and I like my coworkers. I also like the shoppers who come in the store. It’s nice here.”  

Robert’s great efforts are also now being felt at our Lombard store where he works on Fridays. The opportunity to earn a paycheck is important to Robert who is determined to meet another goal. He tells us, “Some day I want to move out of my grandmother’s house and become more independent”. Also, as a father of a two year old girl, he strives to be the best role model he can be.

 His Goodwill family, like his own at home, is proud to stick by him as he works hard to achieve and meet his goals.