Success Story

 

Tim always worked hard for what he wanted. He earned his high school diploma, and developed an ambitious career plan to be a congressional representative's aide in Washington, DC. Born with cerebral palsy, his career path wasn't easy, and following a nervous breakdown during his senior year in college, doctors told him he would never hold a job. But he finished his degree in political science and then turned to Goodwill for help finding work.

In August 1996, Tim enrolled in a job placement program at Goodwill Industries of Houston (TX). There, he took advantage of services that included personal work adjustment training, job coaching, and job placement and follow-up. His passion for work, life, and people were a natural complement to what he learned in the program, which he completed in July 1997.

When it was time for him to find a job, his determination once again paid off. After several unsuccessful interviews, he landed an appointment with Dwaine, Store Manager of a Bed Bath & Beyond store.

Irvine made an impression in the initial interview with Dwaine, who says, “Tim came to Bed Bath & Beyond as a shy young man looking for an opportunity. His friendly nature and strong resolve earned him my respect and the shot he was looking for.” He was hired as a part-time stock associate.

Tim has since held many positions in his six years at Bed Bath & Beyond. Currently, he is the daytime lead cashier, with responsibilities that include daily register balancing, customer service, product research, data input, shipping support and quality control.

Dwaine says, “Of all the good things I could say about Tim, the most important to me as a manager is reliability. If Tim is scheduled to be at work a certain time, you can rest assured he will be there. If you ask him to do something, he will do everything within his power to complete that task. I appreciate his efforts and his desire. I value his reliability.”

Tim says he always knew he would be successful in life, regardless of what doctors told him. “I would still like to go to Washington. It would be a dream come true. Only instead of looking for work there as I once hoped, I would go as I am, proud to be an American who was given a chance to work and succeed in a different way, against the odds.” He adds, “Besides, I couldn't stay there, because I am needed here at work, and home, helping support my parents. I want to be there for them all.”

Source: Working! Summer 2004