Constance McClure

September 2011

Constance McClure

Ask Constance McClure about her job at Goodwill, and she will tell you about the “second family” she’s found at the Noblesville Goodwill Store.

“People help me if I have a bad day. They talk me through it,” Constance says. “I chose Goodwill because they understand my handicap. They help me a lot with my job and also show people how to respond to one another. It’s like a second family, my team here. I’ve been really grateful to them.”

Nine years ago, Constance moved from Middletown, Ind., to Noblesville, and worked with a job coach from Janus Developmental Services to find her job at Goodwill after first trying the fast-food industry. Her job responsibilities at Goodwill include hanging clothing, removing items from the sales floor, assisting with the display case, and stocking household merchandise and other items on the sales floor, and she now works independently without the assistance of a job coach.

Constance, who has seizures and an emotional disorder, works three days a week to help support herself and her 15-year-old son, who is mildly autistic. She lives with her parents and receives a lot of support from them and other family members. She says she also appreciates her understanding co-workers.

“I go to work and try to have a good day. I look to family to help me with my situation at home. It’s still challenging,” Constance says. “My co-workers brought another perspective to my life because when I first started here, I didn’t have friends. I just moved here from Middletown. It helped me meet people because I don’t drive. This is my second home.”

Constance’s store manager, Sherry Gather, says Constance is responsible, a hard worker and does any job she is asked. Sherry’s seen Constance grow as an individual over the years, gaining self-confidence and learning to take constructive criticism well.

“Constance is just very comfortable within the store and with other people now. She’s gained a lot of confidence over the years,” Sherry says. “She keeps people in good spirits, and she’s really helpful with the customers.”

“My job has brought me more happiness. It’s brought me more joy. It just makes me happy every day,” Constance says. “I’ve got a job. I’m happy.”