Success Story: Jason

Jason Kerns, 25, is confident that his experiences with Goodwill during the past seven months have set him on a path of success for life.

Kerns, who has lived in Arizona for two years, was having a difficult time finding work before he visited the Goodyear Career Center in June 2009.

"I spent a lot of time looking for work on my own before I came to the Goodwill Career Center," said Kerns.

Elizabeth Pacheco, Goodyear Career Center Educator, said that when Kerns initially visited the Career Center, he was frustrated because his options were limited because he lacked a vehicle, a driver's license and proper clothing for interviews. Kerns said he had been trying to create a resume on his own for quite some time, but he eventually realized that he needed to consult with people who could help him become more appealing to potential employers. Within minutes, Kerns was utilizing a resume creator tool that helped a compile a professional-looking resume.

Afterward, Kerns estimates that he spent three to four days per week utilizing the computers, fax machines and phones available in the Career Center to conduct his job search.

"Goodwill had every tool possible to help me look for a job," Kerns stated. "I was lucky to find the Career Center."

Unfortunately, Kerns wasn't able to land a job immediately. At one point, he and his family were in danger of being evicted from their apartment in Avondale. He worked two temporary jobs for Goodwill Staffing Solutions but he wasn't earning enough to make ends meet for his girlfriend and their two children.

Eventually, a donation attendant position at the Goodyear store became available. Pacheco knew Kerns was the perfect candidate for the job because of his hard work ethic and his dire situation. Pacheco coached him on proper interview skills and techniques and provided him with a voucher to purchase professional clothing and shoes. Kerns was hired and has been happily working for Goodwill since September 2009. Pacheco said that she has heard nothing but great things about Kerns as an employee.

"I now have a different perspective when it comes to work," Kerns explained. "I'm more positive, tolerant and patient with others. Also, my family was able to move from a one-bedroom apartment to a two-bedroom apartment. We're in a better part of town, the kids are happier and we live near other relatives. I'm also glad to know that my bosses are satisfied with my work."

Ultimately, Kerns said Goodwill has helped him, in part, realize his dreams. He is more open to the idea of enrolling in a program to earn his GED. Moreover, Kerns said he has been closely watching operations at his store and his donation attendant job has awakened his entrepreneurial spirit.

Kerns said he does not want to give away too much information, but he is building a product that will "make peoples' lives easier."

"My family is very supportive of my plan and that feels good."

Kerns is also trumpeting Goodwill's mission to friends and other people who are searching for work.

"I talk to people and tell them to come to the Career Center if they are looking for help," Kerns stated. "I've even referred one of my friends for a donation attendant job at this store. Goodwill has been a great help."