Success Story - Harold Foutz

Harold Foutz was frustrated. Frequent job
changes had impacted his work record, confining
him to entry-level positions. Employers kept
changing his schedule, sometimes scheduling
him for a few hours a week, other times for double
shifts without notice. This made it difficult for him
to keep a job for more than a few months at a time. "I didn't like having to work unsteady hours and worrying if my replacement was going to show up or not," he said. "Working a few hours at several jobs isn't how I wanted to make a living."

Harold enrolled in Chattanooga Goodwill Industries' job training program, where he learned résumé skills and attended job retention classes. After successfully completing the program, Harold was placed with Bi-Lo but continued to take part in Goodwill events. In 2001, he worked with the Santa's Workshop at the Goodwill store in Lafayette, Ga., to help repair children's toys. In 2003, Harold returned to Goodwill permanently as a Processor, where he assists donors and helps sort merchandise for distribution to Goodwill's retail stores.

"Harold is a great example of how our programs can help not only disabled people but disadvantaged workers as well," said Bruce Carscaddon, Vice President of Mission Services. "He is a dependable and enthusiastic employee, and it has been wonderful to see that transformation in him."

Harold is glad he no longer has to worry about keeping up with several jobs at once. "Goodwill has allowed me to get a steady job where I don't have to worry about my schedule changing every week," he said. "This is a job I enjoy and can be proud of."