Zach and Morgaine’s connection began years ago in a high school math class, where Morgaine tutored Zach. This experience was so impactful for Morgaine that it inspired her to pursue a career in the disability field. Today, she’s Zach’s career consultant at Goodwill, a partnership that has helped him achieve remarkable success.
Zach’s journey with Goodwill started in 2021 when he enrolled in the Summer Youth Program. Through a five-week paid internship at Giant Eagle, he gained crucial skills like bagging groceries, stocking shelves, and providing customer service, all of which prepared him for the professional world.
After high school, Zach transitioned to Project SEARCH, an intensive, six-month training program facilitated by Goodwill for young adults with disabilities. This program provided him with invaluable experience at DSW, where he honed his skills in various warehouse tasks, including handling shipments, making boxes, and scanning items.
Upon completing Project SEARCH, it was time for Zach to find permanent employment. This is where his reconnection with Morgaine, now a full-time career consultant at Goodwill, became pivotal. Together, they focused on resume building, practicing interviews, and applying for jobs.
Their collaborative efforts quickly paid off. Within just three months, Zach secured a job at FedEx. “It was pretty awesome how quickly it happened,” Zach shared, reflecting on his swift obtainment of employment.
In his role at FedEx, Zach handles incoming shipments, a responsibility he truly enjoys and excels at. His hard work and dedication haven’t gone unnoticed; he recently earned a prestigious “Rising Star” award from FedEx! Morgaine beams with pride, stating, “Zach is a primary example of a success story for our team.”
Zach and Morgaine continue to connect weekly, ensuring his job satisfaction and ongoing progress. Zach’s ambitions extend beyond FedEx; he dreams of working at Honda in Marysville, specifically on machines that build car parts, and is eager to achieve his forklift certification. Morgaine is actively exploring programs and authorizations to help him accomplish these next big goals.
Outside of his professional aspirations, Zach enjoys a fulfilling life, indulging in hobbies like watching movies (he’s a big fan of Monsters, Inc.), going on bike rides, playing video games, and swimming.
Zach’s story powerfully illustrates the transformative impact of Goodwill’s mission in empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve their career dreams.
