Willie Johnson

Contract Services

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Willie Johnson came to Goodwill looking for a life change, and after 7 years of successful employment, he now calls Goodwill his home.

Willie started off working in the electronic industry for about 20 years, but after struggling with mental health concerns and substance abuse issues he found himself homeless on the streets of Austin. In search of the stability that a full-time job would provide, Willie was connected to Goodwill through the State Use Program in 2001. After filling out an application and having an interview with Melvin Capler, Vice President of Contract Services, Willie’s potential was clear and he was hired as a custodian.

“Melvin gave me an opportunity, one that I am today eternally grateful,” said Willie. “I can’t even describe how your life gets totally turned around and all of the sudden there’s just hope.”

For the first few months of employment, Willie was sleeping in shelters and utilizing the bus system to get to and from work. Goodwill worked closely with other community organizations to ensure that Willie would have the assistance he needed to locate a more stable place to live as well as support with his substance abuse concerns so that he would be successful at work and in life.

“It isn’t just a job, where you can come to work; it’s where you now have a life and something to live for, even if it was just for Goodwill,” said Willie. “I didn’t have any family here, and I made this commitment to show up everyday and just give all to the job. Well, Goodwill made a commitment just to me, too.”

A dedicated student, Willie eagerly learned more about the janitorial business, and has become floor care certified. Willie’s strong leadership skills and dedication allowed him to be promoted to a janitorial supervisor position within Goodwill.

“Willie is the type of employee that you can call anytime,” said Melvin. “He’s very dedicated to making everyone understand that our mission is not what you can’t do, it’s what you can do.”

Successful in his career and off the streets, Willie now gives back to the community by serving as a mentor to youth. He hopes to utilize the training he had at Goodwill to one day start a janitorial business.

“Goodwill, just the whole mission statement, it defines my life,” said Willie. “It’s certainly been about putting my life back together.”

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