Cathy was a shy high school graduate without work experience who was hired by Goodwill. Through Goodwill's job coaching and encouragement, Cathy overcame her shyness, learned new skills, and was promoted to receptionist. She credits Goodwill for helping her become more confident. Cathy was later recognized with an Achiever of the Year award for overcoming obstacles to succeed in the workplace.

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Cathy’s Story
Cathy Macdonald is proud of her pay cheque. But she’s
even more proud to be able to use her new-found skills to
assist around Goodwill’s corporate office.
“I love my job!” exclaims Cathy.
It’s been almost two years since Cathy was hired to work
in the corporate office. She has since been promoted to
receptionist.
“The best thing about working here is that I get to help my
teammates!” she says with a great big smile.
Out of high school and looking for a job, a friend of the
family recommended they contact Goodwill to see if they
could assist her with employment preparation, job search,
and employment coaching.
They took the friend’s advice and the rest is history.
“When Cathy first started she was very shy and quiet with
no employment experience,” says Donna Heron, Cathy’s
manager. “Through her hard work and the hard work of
her wonderful job coaches and counselors, however, she
has learned all the necessary skills to succeed in her role.”
Cathy agrees.
“When I first started I didn’t know how to do anything in
an office. I was really shy and didn’t like answering the
phones. But I really appreciate the staff and job coaches
who have helped and encouraged me get better at my job.”
She adds, “Goodwill has helped me be a lot more
confident. They helped get the shy out of me.”
“When I first met Cathy she was shy and unsure of her
skills in the workplace,” says Tracy White, Cathy’s
Community Employment Counselor.
“During this time, I
have seen Cathy grow
into an outgoing and
confident woman. I
am so proud that she
is now employed with
Goodwill without the
supports of an employment coach.”
Cathy has not only succeeded this year. She has thrived.
Chosen to be a Goodwill Week spokesperson on Global
Edmonton Morning News, Cathy confidently shared her
Goodwill experience with thousands of viewers.
During the same week at the Edmonton Awards Night,
she was presented with the Achiever of the Year Award
- an award given to an outstanding individual who
has overcome obstacles and achieved success in the
workplace.
“Winning the award made me feel so good inside, says
Cathy. “It was the first award I have ever won. My parents
were there and said they were so proud of me. My father
even cried when he saw me win it.”
Cathy says she is proud of herself and how far she’s come.
“I see a big, big difference in me since before I came to
Goodwill,” she says. “I have learned a lot and hope to work
here for a very long time.”
As well as working three days a week, Cathy is an active
member of the community and enjoys life to the fullest.
She models, cheerleads, plays Wii games, and goes to
Zumba two evenings a week.
We’re so proud of you, Cathy! Your success is inspiring.
Keep on learning and working hard and it will pay off.
MISSION SUCCESS
November 7, 2013
“Goodwill has
helped me be a lot
more confident.
They helped get the
shy out of me.”