Success Stories
Rhonda Gill
Determination, a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, and a quiet strength make Rhonda Gill a success in the workplace and in life.
Working for Goodwill Commercial Services since 1983, Rhonda helps assemble laboratory kits and subassemble medical supplies for Covance.
“I like working at Goodwill and meeting new friends, new people,” she says. “Goodwill helps me do anything.” Rhonda, who has a developmental disability and significant medical issues, exhibits a strength and determination that have grown from her background.
“Rhonda comes from southern Indiana, and she was employed in a sheltered workshop,” said Rita Guhr, employment resource development specialist for Goodwill. “There were times that her family didn’t have enough money to pay for gas to get her to her job, and at those times, Rhonda would walk into town from this rural area just so she could go to work. Her job means that much to her.”
In 1984, shortly after moving to Indianapolis and starting at Goodwill, Rhonda’s life was suddenly turned upside-down.
“I was in a group home, and I got a long-distance phone call from a relative back home, and they told me that my family was killed in a house fire – my mother, father, sister and brother, and my cousin,” Rhonda says. “It was sad.”
Despite this devastating personal tragedy, Rhonda persevered, learning to live independently, to manage her finances, and to seek out assistance available to her. She also has enjoyed participating in the Special Olympics since childhood.
“Rhonda’s exceptional because I see her always trying to motivate herself and make herself better,” says Walter Bebley, team lead for Covance. “She works hard at trying to achieve new goals. If she accomplishes goals like she takes on work habits, she can do anything she wants.”
Visit Goodwill Commercial Services.
Denisha "DLANG" Ferguson
Encouraging students to pursue their dreams through internships and work experiences in the fashion world inspires Denisha “DLANG” Ferguson.
Denisha, known as “DLANG” in the fashion industry, owns the design company Indy Fashion Time (IFT), which produces fashion competitions, shows and workshops. In 2010, she began working with students in the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program, administered by Goodwill, which targets high school juniors and seniors.
Now in her second year working with the students, Denisha provides a multi-faceted fashion internship experience that culminates in a significant role in Denisha’s IFT fashion show. The internship allows students to work on projects for the fashion show that include fashion design and sewing clothing purchased from Goodwill, production assistance, modeling, photography, videography, writing, marketing and web design.
“The program is important to the students because it allows them to shine. The students are able to do something that they’re interested in doing,” said Candice Singleton, community outreach coordinator for JAG. “I think internships are important because they allow students the hands-on experience that they need.”
Denisha says she wants students to have fun in their internships while building confidence and learning that they can do anything that they set their minds to do.
“I am extremely passionate about providing these internship opportunities to the students because I started when I was 16,” she says. “I know how it can be in the industry, and I just want to give them an opportunity to live out their dreams, be in a positive environment and just be able to learn and grow and develop themselves.”
Visit the Indianapolis Metropolitan High School.
More about Jobs for America’s Graduates.
See photos of students’ internship experience with DLANG.
Vic King
For Vic King, a second chance was what he needed to change his life dramatically.
Vic, now a forklift driver at the Goodwill Outlet Store-East, came to Goodwill after his release from prison. He had been incarcerated for selling drugs, and his daughters were taken and placed in foster care. To regain custody, he took parenting classes while in prison.
After proving himself at Goodwill, Vic was hired full-time, and regained custody of his daughters.
“I still have my kids, and I’m still working for Goodwill,” Vic says proudly. “Goodwill has helped me along the way by giving me steady employment so I don’t have to get back out there in the streets.”
Vic now embraces opportunities. He enrolled in Goodwill services and has set goals and plans for his life, including saving from every paycheck, improving his credit score, starting college funds for his daughters, and planning family bike rides or museum outings. Now, he also is working toward completing his high school education at The Excel Center, a public charter school operated by Goodwill Education Initiatives.
“To complete my high school education, it will give my kids a better incentive to stay in school and get theirs while they can, while they’re younger,” Vic says. “It will be real important for them to see I started something and finished it.”
April Long, director of Goodwill Guides, who has worked with Vic and helped him set goals for his future, says she’s seen dramatic changes.
“Vic is determined and is never going to give up,” April says. “Vic’s a role model in the fact that others are watching what he is doing. He inspires them by saying, ‘I can do this. I can work. I can go to school. I can raise my children, and if you need help or support, I will be there for you as well.’ ”
Vic says he is motivated every day by how his life has changed.
“I want people to know that you can learn from your mistakes, and you can further your education no matter how old you get,” he says. “To have a second chance is great because it makes you look at all the things around that you want to do better.”
Visit The Excel Center.
Learn more about Goodwill’s job services.