Denishola “Dee” Austin Goodwill EARN Success Story

Denishola “Dee” Austin came to Goodwill EARN in search of an opportunity to get back into the workforce after a three-year absence. Austin, a father and ex-Marine, displayed determination after enrollment and wanted to start off with a paid work experience in Goodwill’s Retail and Operations Division to see if he could handle the physical nature of working in Goodwill’s fast paced Retail Operations Center. After three days of the work experience, Austin let staff know that his body could not hold up to the physical demands of the work experience. Employment staff noticed that Austin had years of experience as a forklift operator and asked the Retail Operations Manager if there was a need for a Forklift Operator. Goodwill's Retail Operations Manager and employment staff came up with a plan that Austin could train to become a Forklift Operator during a six-week Paid Work Experience. Austin excelled as he completed the training and was officially hired as a Utility II Forklift Operator for Goodwill on June 13, 2022.