removing barriers

“Character” is one of Horizon Goodwill’s core values.  Ricky Listman, a Baler at our processing center in Cumberland, Maryland, has a lot of it to share.

Ricky’s path to success began by attending an open enrollment meeting in Cumberland. He was determined to find a way to achieve his employment goals and was certain that the Goodwill training program could help him break down his reported barriers. Ricky’s made ends meet as a self-employed laborer completing odd jobs as opportunities arose. This type of work presented gaps in employment, so he was unable to build an effective resume.  Additionally, sporadic jobs didn’t allow him the means to obtain reliable transportation. Following his completion of the “Get, On Board!” class, Ricky was offered a temporary training position as a truck helper in October of 2017.

Most of Ricky’s previous work was completed alone.  His new position helped Ricky to obtain on-the-job training in a work environment where he could be an active member of a team. Ricky quickly started to shine in this position and managers from other departments quickly took notice.

In December of 2017, Ricky’s vocational case manager informed him of an opening for a Baler in the Processing department. This position would offer Ricky many new opportunities including, a transition from part-time to full-time. Ricky applied for the position and was hired as a permanent core employee!

Ricky is a Maryland native.  He was born in Anne Arundel County but spent most of his childhood on the eastern shore in Caroline County. When he is not working, he loves spending time with his grandmother and working with his uncle on houses. When he is not enjoying family time, he loves building computers, playing music, and shooting pool.

When asked what he likes about Goodwill the most, he said “They provide help to those who want to try to change their lives.” He loves his job, and the people he works with. He is very enthusiastic about full-time employment as he says it’s very difficult to find, especially when you have barriers.

Ricky is appreciative and very proud of his accomplishments at work.  His success in the training program, his desire to work, and his new job has afforded him many opportunities.  It has opened doors he never expected, like becoming a home owner in the upcoming month.  Ricky Listman is the true definition of “continuous improvement.”

Because “CELEBRATION” is one of our core values here at Horizon Goodwill Industries, we would like to take a moment to celebrate one of our own, Olivia Bowens, E-Commerce Agent.

Olivia has been with Horizon Goodwill since December of 2016. Before her Goodwill journey began, Olivia dealt with barriers that were keeping her from achieving her goals. Born and raised in Frederick, MD, Olivia’s family tree was poisoned with addiction throughout her childhood. She then faced her own battles with addiction and crime, ultimately leading to her incarceration in 2014. Olivia reached her breaking point and knew she needed to get back on the road to sobriety and success.

Olivia entered “Project 103” through the Frederick County Detention Center, which is a sobriety and substance abuse program. Before her release from incarceration in 2015, Olivia was offered a spot in the “Lasting Change” program to help her transition out of incarceration and her old patterns of addiction.

During this transitional phase, Olivia struggled to find employment because of her past. Her friend recommended that she stop by the Goodwill in downtown Hagerstown. She took her friends advice and met with the Mission Services team. Olivia was placed in the Goodwill job training program as a Wares Worker. After working in processing for six months, Olivia caught word that the E-Commerce department had an opening on their team. Through the support of her case management team, she applied, interviewed, and was hired on with Goodwill as a part time E-Commerce employee. Olivia says, “I like that Goodwill is willing to stand behind their employees and help them better their lives.”

Fast forward to 2018: Olivia is in the last phase of the “Lasting Change” program; has been sober for over two years and counting; has obtained her own apartment; has recently started cosmetology school; and has been promoted from part time to full time.

When asked where she sees herself in five years, Olivia said, “I hope to be done with school, still working for Goodwill and practicing cosmetology on the side. I also hope to have a family of my own.” Aside from working for Goodwill and pursuing her cosmetology degree, Olivia enjoys cheerleading, shopping, swimming, going to the beach, traveling, and riding rollercoasters.

Olivia came to Hagerstown with no license and no desire to change her situation. She didn’t have a vehicle, lacked confidence in herself and was reluctant to smile. She now has a driver’s license, a vehicle, a new smile with a million reasons to flash it! She is very excited to see where the road of life takes her, and we at Horizon Goodwill Industries look forward to celebrating her successes in the future.

Her advice to others who are struggling is, “NEVER GIVE UP! Things might not always be sunshine and roses. You’re going to have bad days but keep trying! Never give up on yourself.”

Let’s CELEBRATE one of our own!

Let’s take a moment to celebrate one of our own, Christa Cash, Horizon Goodwill’s new store manager in Woodstock, Virginia.

Christa says, “What I love most about Goodwill is making a difference in the lives of people; whether that is a trainee, staff, customer, or donor.”   Christa started her journey with Horizon Goodwill as a PT Sales Clerk in July 2012 and has since worked her way up through a FT position. Christa was promoted to Store Manager in November of 2017. Christa loves her new position and says what keeps her motivated is “all the wonderful customers I meet and the individuals I work with. My team is amazing.  They make everyday enjoyable.”

Born in Fairfax, Virginia and raised in Spotsylvania County, Christa has a passion for competitive baking. When she is not baking in her spare time or managing her store, she has a love for animals and enjoys spending time with her husband of 25 years and their daughter.

When asked to share her most memorable moment, Christa stated, “it’s not just one moment, it’s moments. Over the past 5 years I have seen so many acts of kindness and caring.” She is most proud of her team for covering shifts, helping where needed, and working hard every day to achieve their goals.

We at Horizon Goodwill are extremely proud of her promotion and success. We look forward to celebrating her growth as a Store Manager, and watching her lead the Woodstock retail team in accomplishing their goals.