success stories
Adam Puseman, 2005 Laura A. Marco Award
Federal Contracts Achiever of the Year

Adam first walked through the doors of Goodwill in 2001. He was in need of job training that would prepare him for the working world once he graduated from high school. Adam enrolled in Goodwill's Work Experience program. For the next two years, Adam experienced a variety of work areas, including clerical, retail sales, material goods processing, contracts and custodial.

When Adam graduated from the Work Experience program in 2003, he was assisted with job placement. When a job opening became available in Goodwill's Federal Contracts department, Adam applied and was hired as a custodian at STRATCOM at Offutt Air Force Base.

Today, Adam still holds that position and is doing extremely well. He has made many friends and continues to impact people's lives every day.

According to Adam, "I love my job at Goodwill. My supervisors provide me with great guidance. I have a lot of friends and I have learned so much."

Aside from his job at Goodwill, Adam participates in the Special Olympics, is an Eagle Scout, and enjoys traveling with his family.

Caina Whiters, 2005 Independence Award
Employment and Training Achiever of the Year

For nearly 20 years, Caina Whiters lived on welfare. She knew no other way to survive. Her unstable work history and inability to hold down a job weren't the only barriers in her way. Ten year ago she lost her left leg in an accident. Although she had a prosthetic, she needed a job she could adapt to. She yearned to be self-sufficient and provide for her family. She just did not know how.

In 2002, Caina was referred to Goodwill's Employment First program and took the first step to turn her life around.

Caina successfully completed the Employment First program in October of 2005 and has retained employment with Holiday Inn for over a year. She is completely off welfare and just recently stopped receiving food stamps.

Raised in the foster system and becoming pregnant at 18, welfare was the only way Caina knew to survive. With Goodwill on her side, she built up her self-confidence and realized the great rewards of earning a paycheck. She takes pride in being the sole provider for her four children.

"If you have determination, you will find a job," said Caina. "Goodwill is beneficial for anyone ready to get back on their feet. I am at peace with myself knowing that my paychecks are now earned instead of given."

Megan Harr, 2005 Hope Award
Rehabilitation Achiever of the Year

Megan knows the importance of enjoying life to the fullest despite living with a disability. She began her journey of independence when she enrolled in Goodwill's Work Experience program in 2004. Through this program, Megan acquired skills and experience in a variety of work areas, including retail. In the mornings Megan would attend high school and in the afternoons she would work at Goodwill.

When Megan graduated from the program in 2005, she applied for a position at Goodwill's retail store on 156th & Maple Streets in Omaha.

Today, Megan is responsible for processing donations and placing them on the sales floor. Megan was able to take what she learned from the Work Experience program and easily transition from an educational setting to a professional work situation.

When asked what she enjoys most about her job with Goodwill, she quickly replies, "The people and the paycheck. I like earning a paycheck. Money can go a long way."

Megan has been reaping the benefits of earning a paycheck by renting her own apartment, and buying her own clothes and groceries.

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