Goodwill

Robert Moritz

“I like my job and will continue coming to work as long as you let me.”

In some ways, Robert Moritz is more dedicated than a postal carrier when it comes to his job. He doesn’t let any type of weather stop him from coming to work. Robert is always one of the first to arrive at work and consistently leaves at the end of his shift with a big smile. Robert thrives on work and if given the opportunity, he would work six days a week, taking one day off to see a movie or shop for clothes.

It was in January of 1978, when Robert, who has a developmental disability, joined Goodwill’s Long Term Services program. Employed by Goodwill for more than three decades, he has learned a great deal and is a beloved member of the Goodwill team. In the early days, Robert worked at the Goodwill Store on Portland Road in Salem primarily performing janitorial duties in the production area. Robert was agreeable to trying other jobs, but he had difficulty expressing himself when he didn’t understand the task or the instructions he was given. Staff worked with him – helping to ease his frustration and giving him the tools to express himself better. 

Fast forward 20 years to 1998 when the store moved to its current Lancaster Drive location and Robert was assigned to assist the janitorial crew. He cleaned restrooms and the production floor for several years, but eventually began slowing down physically, which caused him frustration. Robert shared with staff that he felt isolated and longed to work around more people. So in 2004, he was transferred to the Salem Contract Room where he worked on a variety of jobs surrounded by co-workers and with increased supervision.  

With the confidence that came with learning more skills - after several months in the Contract Room, Robert asked to be moved to the Salem store enclave because a variety of retail jobs had been created. He made the move and is now a super star sorting donations and stocking shoes. 

With 32 years of support at Goodwill, Robert has developed and demonstrated an excellent work ethic and attendance record. He was recognized recently as Goodwill’s Worker of the 3rd Quarter 2009. At 76 years of age, he has a faster walking pace than many people decades younger and enjoys long walks around town on weekends. Robert tells us, “I like my job and will continue coming to work as long as you let me.” Goodwill could not ask for more!