01 Mar Dorothy’s Story

A stay-at-home mom, Dorothy had been out of the workforce for over 30 years. “I wanted to stay home and take care of my two children,” she said. “Then, when my children were teenagers, my sister passed away, and her three year old son came to live with me.”

Dorothy chose to stay at home and raise her nephew, just as she had her own children. When her nephew turned 16, she decided it was time to return to the workforce. Despite a lack of work experience, the 55-year-old had no problem finding employment. Goodwill was the first place she applied and, just days later, she was offered a job.

That was eight years ago. Today, Dorothy spends her days processing hard goods at the Goodwill store in Shelbyville. “I’m responsible for keeping the store shelves in the hard goods section stocked and organized,” she said. “I really enjoy my job.”

For some, the transition back into the workforce can be difficult, but that wasn’t the case for Dorothy. “It was actually pretty smooth,” she said. “My managers and co-workers made it easy for me.”

Now, eight years later, Dorothy is still happy to be a part of the Goodwill family. “Working for Goodwill has changed my life,” she said. “I am independent now, and that makes me feel real good.”

Watch Dorothy’s story: