An Exercise in Hope: Tom Nelson's Story
March 30, 2010
Tom Nelson of Lebanon was born 44 years ago with a disability passed from his mother. Within the first 20-weeks of her pregnancy, she contracted the Rubella virus, commonly known as German measles. The disease can cause serious birth defects, including congenital rubella syndrome – doctors say 58% of those babies are born with deafness, and Tom was among that percentage.
Severe nerve damage to both ears resulted in a 60% hearing loss. Tom says the condition has now progressed to an almost 80% loss. While the medical community considers him profoundly deaf, friends and even doctors hardly notice. Due in part to two hearing aids and excellent therapy in speech and lip reading, Tom has very good enunciation and self-confidence.
We were introduced to Tom when he moved from Michigan to Oregon to be closer to his daughter. On his way to a Labor Ready job assignment one day, Tom noticed the Job Connection sign at the Albany Goodwill store. Because his job search had only provided temporary assignments, Tom decided to visit the Job Connection office. Employment Specialist, Sue Strickland, began working with Tom in September 2009.
Joining forces with Galt Foundation -- another nonprofit that works to find employment for people with disabilities – Sue connected Tom with a full-time custodian position with Lebanon’s Willamette Valley Rehabilitation Center. Because he’s steadily employed now, Tom says he and his girlfriend live in a nice mobile home and are able to pay their bills and enjoy stability. He admits that he misses his old profession of building and working with his hands, but his progressing disability has made that work unsafe. Tom is immensely satisfied to have employment, benefits and peace of mind.
So impressed with Tom, Goodwill has awarded him our Graduate of 4th Quarter 2009 and of the Year. “Before this experience, I only knew Goodwill to be a place to buy used goods.” His smile fills his face, “Sue never gave up on me. She kept working to connect me with the right job; she was positive and gave me more than hope – she found me work.”
Read Tom’s story featured in the Democrat Herald. Visit http://democratherald.com/news/local/article_ded6a162-377e-11df-8133-001cc4c03286.html.