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SUCCESS STORIES

Doyle McGee

Read and listen to Doyle McGee's "My Story" feature from Goodwill Industries International.

Doyle McGeeWhen Doyle McGee first came to Goodwill’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) in 2007, he was on a downward spiral – unemployed, struggling with substance abuse, and homeless. Today, with his hardwork and services from Goodwill, the Vietnam veteran’s life has transformed.

“I bottomed out, basically,” Doyle says. “Here I am today proud, happy, a state employee, gainfully employed, looking good, feeling good, and here to help someone else to achieve their dreams.”

A community employment specialist at the WorkOne East office, Doyle gets up early every morning to arrive at the office by 7 a.m. Tasha Johnson, his manager, describes Doyle as eager to help and resourceful. “Doyle is very customer-service oriented, and that’s what this business is all about,” she says.

Doyle says Goodwill helped him expound on his potential at an age where society “usually puts you to pasture.” “Goodwill gave my life purpose. It gave me drive. It gave me self-satisfaction. It gave me a goal to work toward.”

Angelique Twyman

Angelique Twyman is a positive, self-motivated young woman with a successful career as a pharmacyAngelique Twyman technician at Clarian Health Partners.

However, in 2004, Angelique came to Goodwill as a high school dropout who had a poor work history and needed assistance to move forward in her life. Goodwill youth staff directed her to the Hope Education Center, where she earned her high school diploma in June 2004.

Shortly after, Angelique began Clarian's Pharmacy Tech program and worked diligently to complete the program, putting in extra time with study groups, tutors and instructors. With all of her hard work, she not only completed the 11-month program, but she also passed the state exam.

“What motivates me is that I want better. It makes me feel good that my family is proud of me and my sisters can look up to me as a better role model than I used to be,” Angelique said.


Joe ForehandJoe Forehand

Read coverage of Goodwill employee Joe Forehand's success story in NUVO.
Joe Forehand has lots of energy, which helps keep the Covance Central Laboratory Services contract in Goodwill's Commercial Services Division operating at a quick pace.

Before he began working for Goodwill in 1983, Joe was a migrant worker, traveling state-to-state looking for jobs picking ripe produce as a means of supporting his drinking habit. “Drinking took me everywhere,” Joe said. “I would work two or three days a week and drink on the rest.”

Eventually, the many years of heavy drinking and living on the streets took a physical and mental toll on Joe. He returned home to Indianapolis, sought counseling and supportive services from the former Central State Hospital and found a job at Goodwill, where's he's been a constant source of encouragement to others.

“I'm a good worker. I like to keep busy and keep in shape,” Joe said.


Marjorie Gastineau Marjorie Gastineau

As a young woman, Marjorie Gastineau noticed a sign board at American United Life (AUL), now known as OneAmerica, and thought how nice it would be to work for the large Indianapolis company. Little did she know then that this billboard was also a sign of her future.

In 1963 when Marjorie was 16, her world fell apart when her father died suddenly of a heart attack. Shortly after her father's death, Marjorie had a nervous breakdown. Marjorie's family physician advised her to seek vocational training instead of returning to school. Taking his recommendation, Marjorie came to Goodwill and learned skills needed to work in the print shop of Goodwill's Commercial Services Division.

After 16 years at Goodwill, Marjorie's supervisor received a request from AUL, which wanted to hire five Goodwill employees for its print shop. Marjorie agreed to try the job.

Since Marjorie first accepted her job at AUL in 1978, she has acquired new friendships, and her work and life skills have developed. She now works in OneAmerica's record services, and a bout 10 years ago, her mother's death forced Marjorie to become totally independent. She moved to an apartment on the northwest side of Indianapolis and learned how to ride the bus to and from work.

“If it hadn't been for Goodwill Industries,” she says, “I would have never gotten the job.”


Mike Pennycuff

Born with cerebral palsy, Mike Pennycuff's doctors told his parents that he probably would never walk, drive or work. He's proved them wrong over and over again.

Mike PennycuffSince 1986, Mike has been a steady and dependable employee in Goodwill's retail stores. As a backroom employee, Mike plays an important role in making sure donated items are processed and placed on the sales floor in a timely manner.

Mike's supervisors praise his hard work and say his positive attitude and upbeat personality inspire other employees. Mike says his colleagues inspire him, too. In 2004, Mike moved from his hometown of Muncie, where he lived with his parents, to his own apartment in Indianapolis.

“My friends at work helped me a lot. They taught me things and showed me that I could live on my own,” Mike said.

Mike is enjoying his independence and is discovering new interests and hobbies, including bowling. “I'm really proud,” Mike said with a big smile on his face. “I like my life and can do so much.”


Lorena Salas

Lorena Salas, an employee at Goodwill’s Castleton Store, inspires all who meet her with her exuberant personality and positive attitude. Lorena translates English and Spanish for staff and customers and hangs clothing prior to putting the merchandise on the sales floor. Her abilities have not only made her a key member of the Castleton team but are a reminder that conditions such as blindness and cerebral palsy do not prevent a person from leading a productive, fulfilling life.