When D. Applegate came to Goodwill Industries, he had one clear goal: stable, full-time employment that would bring financial independence, room to grow and real benefits. As a participant in Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS), D.A. had faced barriers to employment along the way – but he was ready to do whatever it took to build the career he wanted.
Working closely with his Career Navigator and Employment Specialist, D.A. prepared for the workforce from the ground up – completing job readiness training, building a professional résumé, sharpening his interview skills and getting hands-on support through every step of the job search.
In September 2025, that preparation paid off with a part-time custodial position in Goodwill’s Contracts Department. For D.A., this opportunity meant more than a paycheck – it was a chance to gain real work experience, build confidence and show what he was capable of despite the barriers he’d had to navigate to get there. During an accreditation visit, D.A. put it simply: “Goodwill made me feel as though I mattered.”
He was grateful for the opportunity, but he never lost sight of the bigger goal. Full-time work with greater stability and benefits was still the target, and he treated the part-time role as a steppingstone, not a stopping point.
About four months later, that persistence paid off. D.A. moved into a full-time custodial position, and his hourly wage jumped from $10.75 to $17.75 – a life-changing leap toward financial independence.
D.A.’s journey is proof of what determination paired with the right support can do. He turned an entry-level opportunity into a full-time career with better wages and lasting stability – a success built on his own perseverance and Goodwill’s commitment to helping people reach their goals.
Success stories like D.A.’s are only possible through the generosity of our donors. Make a gift to Goodwill today.