For years, Yolanda had been a dedicated retail associate, earning more than 20 awards for her high-level customer service at T.J. Maxx. However, life took an unexpected turn in 2021 when her husband, who she had been with for 18 years, suffered a stroke. This led to his move to a nursing home and ultimately his passing on February 26, 2025. This significant change left Yolanda with much free time and a desire to return to work.
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) referred Yolanda to Goodwill, where she was matched with Hollie, a Career Consultant for Goodwill. Hollie, known for her patience and ability to find creative solutions, began working with Yolanda on a job search. Together, they decided on a Community Work Experience (CWE) at a Goodwill store. The Brice Road location was chosen due to its proximity to Yolanda’s home – a mere five-minute commute – and its diverse range of opportunities.
Yolanda, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth, was open to trying various tasks. After some exploration, they discovered her ideal role: a part-time sorter for hangers. What truly made this position special was the realization that her work directly helped someone else coming in for the second shift. “It made her happier to know that she was helping someone else,” Hollie said, a detail that underscored Yolanda’s inherent desire to be of service.
Hollie’s dedication extended beyond just finding a job. She found ways to make tasks easier for Yolanda, introducing two helpful devices: a grabber and a tool to assist with pulling zippers, which Yolanda diligently practiced with at home.
After a two-week successful CWE, Yolanda officially became a part-time employee at Goodwill on May 5 of this year. She now balances her work with the support of her residential provider, Ohio at Home, and her transportation provider, COTA. Her coworkers have become a supportive community, and she has found a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.
Yolanda’s story is a testament to the power of tailored support, the discovery of meaningful work, and the unwavering spirit of an individual determined to contribute and thrive.
In addition to her meaningful employment with Goodwill, Yolanda is a mother to 19-year-old daughter Sankay and 33-year-old son Kenny. She recently joined New Birth Christian Ministries church.
Sankay describes Yolanda as “a very sweet, lovable person who has never been okay with just the minimum. She has always persevered to obtain the greatest achievement in life no matter the situation.”
