HEROES & SUCCESS STORIES
Miranda Prince – Client Success Story
Miranda Prince describes her life over the past few years as a true Cinderella story. Her fairy tale starts at the ball, in Miranda’s case, the Demetrious Johnson Charitable Foundation (DJCF).
Homeless and lacking a high school education, Miranda spent her time volunteering at DJCF. Miranda performed various tasks from secretarial to janitorial work, never complaining and always positive. Her infectious smile and ambition won over the hearts of many at the foundation. Through recommendations from DJCF, Miranda was introduced to her glass slipper, MERS/Goodwill, and the connection to her future prince. READ MORE
Donnie Edwards – Client Success December 2011
When Donnie Edwards and his twin sister were born, Donnie was pronounced dead. As the doctor was filling out his death certificate, he noticed Donnie had started to breathe. He was immediately airlifted to Cardinal Glennon where he spent the first several months of his life. Donnie was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, an adversity that hit him before he could blink, remaining a constant in his life every day since. Like his birth, Donnie continues to defy odds, always refusing to give up or give in. READ MORE
Hilary Wagner – MERS/Goodwill Vice President
The ability to open a bank account is something many take for granted every day. But Hilary Wagner, MERS/Goodwill Vice President, understands it is not a small accomplishment. Hilary strives for the moments when a client’s hard work and dedication results in success. A self-proclaimed “work nerd,” Hilary still gets chills when she sees a client get a job, even after eight years. With a passion for placement and the people Goodwill aids, Hilary knows the depth to which the services affect each client’s life. She recognizes that she is an important part of the Goodwill mission and gives credit to the donors and clients that keep the organization alive. READ MORE
James Watkins - Client Success
To see James Watkins hard at work as an Assistant Manager of the produce department of the Price Cutter in Springfield, it’s hard to imagine him hitting a rough patch not long ago. In 2007, James was looking for work and feeling downhearted about his prospects. With the support of his mother, James decided to seek the help of Missouri’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and MERS/Goodwill. What James didn't expect was that his time with Goodwill would not only provide him with the skills necessary to find a job, but also the encouragement to change his life forever. READ MORE
Mary Armbruster – Client Success Story
For more than 12 years Mary Armbruster was a dedicated employee at Value City. But as the economy worsened, the discount department store chain filed for bankruptcy and closed all its stores. Back at square one, Mary was in search of another position she could grow to love and bond with a group of team members. READ MORE
Local Hero – Ashley Buehler
An 18-year-old high school graduate attempts to fill out a job application. First obstacle: deciding if babysitting qualifies as relevant job experience. Second: figuring out who qualifies as a good reference. READ MORE
Local Hero – Lisa Thomas-Paulin
Attention to detail, listening and caring for staff were skills Lisa Thomas-Paulin learned early in life. At age 22, Lisa was finding her niche in the non-profit market when her then-boss passed along these life lessons. Years later, as Store Manager of the Granite City Goodwill Lisa continues to live by these guidelines and pass them on to her employees.READ MORE
From left to right: Keith Hart, Intoximeters Assistant Controller and Human Resources Manager; Dallas Lawrence; Bryan Heaven, Intoximeters Materials Manager; Bob Eves, MERS/Goodwill Employment Specialist
After working for a company for nearly 11 years, Dallas Lawrence, like so many others, was laid off due to corporate cutbacks. Unlike many others, Dallas is deaf. His unemployment resulted in the loss of income, benefits and security, and as the recession continued, future employment was looking grim. Dallas, 31, spent months searching for employment, never considering defeat. After a stint of unsuccessful searching, Dallas turned to MERS/Goodwill for assistance. READ MORE
Local Hero – Colin Kricensky
In times of crisis, it is the natural, human reaction to panic. Luckily, there are calm and collected individuals who are exempt from chaotic reactions to keep the world spinning without even blinking. Colin Kricensky, Director of MERS/Goodwill State Residential Services, is one such individual. Colin is CPR-certified, a necessary precaution in his field of expertise, but never dreamed of the day when using his training would be necessary in saving another’s life. READ MORE
Local Hero – James Elliot
For most people, working overtime is out of the question. Between yoga classes, soccer games, dance recitals, second jobs and other obligations, there just aren't enough hours in the day. If you asked James Elliott, however, a seven-day work week is completely normal. As a MERS/Goodwill Case Manager and Employment Specialist, James helps clients who face barriers to employment find (and keep) jobs. READ MORE
Diana Encarnacion
MERS/Goodwill Store Manager in University City, Mo.
Most MERS/Goodwill employees stay with the company because of the great work environment. This is a common thread amongst MERS/Goodwill employees, from VPs to store managers. It is the thread that makes MERS/Goodwill Industries a fantastic place to work and a close-knit family. READ MORE
Local Hero - Linda Burch
Every year MERS/Goodwill serves close to 10,000 persons facing disabling conditions. The Goodwill team that works with these individuals is full of dedicated and compassionate people. Every member of the MERS/Goodwill organization is an essential part of the team. Each member is a hero, bringing different elements to the organization, making it the best it can be. Of the modest individuals devoted to this organization, none compare to Linda Burch. READ MORE
Local Hero – John McBride, Vice President of Loss Prevention
For some professions being a hero is “just part of the job.” Firefighters, policemen and doctors are consistently recognized for their amazing deeds, and the lives they save. For others, being a hero may be part of the job, but their efforts are rarely acknowledged. These people work behind the scenes to help better their communities. One such local hero is John McBride. READ MORE
As a seven-year veteran of MERS/Goodwill, Sandy Adams’ job never slows down. Even at eight months pregnant, the Fenton Store Manager is constantly on-the-go. Whether getting through the holiday season, helping local high school students fulfill their community service hours or opening a new store, Sandy is constantly moving and her enthusiasm never ceases. READ MORE
Whatever it takes. It sounds like the motto of a professional athlete, or maybe a high-powered executive, but it is also the professional philosophy of Shawn McCue, Supported Employment Specialist at MERS/Goodwill.
Local Hero – Mary Brooks, Arnold, Missouri
Local Hero - Fairview Heights
Roughly five years ago, a woman and her young son came to the Fairview Heights Goodwill store. As soon as they stepped inside, the boy ran up to a toddler-sized dollhouse excitedly exclaiming that he’d found his firehouse. Tenia Buchannan, Store Manager of the Fairview Heights Goodwill, could not help but smile. READ MORE
Local Hero- Moberly 
A manager’s work is never done. Brenda St. James, Store Manager of the Moberly Goodwill, is always the first to work in the morning and the last to leave. Brenda simply loves her job and she oversees every aspect of the store; she accepts donations, operates the cash register and assists customers on the sales floor. Brenda is the guiding light for her employees, as well as a local hero. READ MORE
Karen Freeman, Battlefield Store Manager in Battlefield, Missouri
Every girl dreams of prom as a magical evening spent dancing with Prince Charming in the perfect dress. For some, the headache lies in hunting down the perfect dress on a budget. With a little help from Goodwill, fairy godmothers like Karen Freeman, Battlefield Store Manager, are able to grant wishes with events like the Prom Dress Drive. READ MORE
South County St. Louis, Missouri
A hero is someone who generously gives to a bigger cause for the benefit of others and that is exactly how the Goodwill store manager in South County, MO lives her life. Latrice Clayborn is working to enrich her community by offering a fun and safe place to work and shop. Her mantra is to, “have fun with what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life.” READ MORE
Local Hero- Cissy Altevogt from Edwardsville, IL
Sometimes heroes are obvious – like a firefighter who rescues a child from a burning vehicle, but sometimes he or she is your next-door neighbor taking small strides to improve the local community. Cissy Altevogt is one such person who is working to help her community. READ MORE...
Dorothy Cooksey, like many other mature individuals, found herself seeking work after early retirement. Dorothy retired in 1998 from her position as the secretary to the Washington University School of Medicine’s Director of Radiology. She quickly realized that her 401K and pension would not be enough to make ends meet. Due to her personable nature, Dorothy found a job on the customer service team for Harrah’s Casino where she received honors for Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year. READ MORE...
At the young age of 16, Ryan Reed became his family’s sole caretaker. His mother had been diagnosed with diabetes before he was born and her health deteriorated after Ryan was born. Ryan put his education on hold and dropped out of high school in order to care for his ailing mother. READ MORE...
In the fall of 2008, Dwight Robinson was in a life-altering accident that left him with brain damage, in a wheelchair and unable to find work. Dwight’s new beginning took shape after he began physical therapy at a rehabilitation facility for his accident. Dwight saw a brochure for MERS/Goodwill’s Job Readiness Training (JRT) program at the rehabilitation facility and instantly recognized the MERS/Goodwill name. READ MORE...
