Jesse | How Employment Support Helped Build Confidence and Start His Career

A Success Story About Finding the Right Support to Begin a Career

When Jesse finished high school, he felt stuck. He didn’t have work experience yet and felt nervous about starting his first job. When he connected with Goodwill Supported Employment, everything changed. With personalized coaching and a team that believed in him, Jesse gained confidence, communication skills and his first real opportunity.

“Jesse is a very hard worker and always eager to learn,” says his Goodwill job coach, Morgan. “We had a great connection from the start.”

Building Skills Through Supported Employment

Goodwill job developers helped Jesse take the first steps toward employment by focusing on:

Resume and Application Support

Jesse learned how to build a resume, complete applications and highlight his strengths.

Practicing Interview Skills

Coaches helped him prepare for interviews and build confidence working with employers.

Hands-On Job Experience

Jesse secured an internship at a local restaurant, where he assisted with food running, maintaining stations and cleaning. The role taught him how to:

• Follow directions
• Communicate with coworkers and customers
• Stay focused and pay attention to detail
• Build a consistent routine

“His communication skills grew significantly,” Morgan shared. “That helped prepare him for something more long-term.”

Achieving a Permanent Job and a Brighter Future

After gaining experience and confidence, Jesse earned a permanent part-time position at another restaurant. Now, he enjoys being part of a team and continues developing new workplace skills.

“Getting to the point where he is now shows his tremendous potential,” says his guardian, Tom. “I am thankful for everyone at Goodwill who has worked with Jesse.”

Why Supported Employment Matters

Goodwill’s Supported Employment program helps individuals with disabilities or other barriers build meaningful careers by offering:

• Job development and resume support
• Job coaching and workplace skills training
• Advocacy to ensure needed accommodations
• Continued guidance and encouragement

With the right support system, job seekers can thrive — just like Jesse.

Ready to Start Your Own Success Story?

Goodwill Supported Employment can help you build skills, find opportunities and feel confident in your next steps.

Get Employment Support

Explore Supported Employment services and find help today.