“I didn’t know if I could go back to work,” said Steve, who has struggled with retaining employment due to a disability that makes concentration difficult.  

Steve worked at many different manufacturing facilities over the years but realized his quality of work suffered when production rates were higher. Deciding that fast-paced work environments were difficult for him, Steve became his own boss doing metal work and blacksmithing.

“I liked being my own boss, but I wanted to try working in the community and do my best,” Steve said. “I went to Career Force and was referred to the Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS). That’s when I got connected to Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota’s employment services.”

“Being part of the employment services helped me gain confidence in my work skills and reinforced what I did well. I received support with work training, job placement and follow up services. The staff listened, provided guidance and supported me through some difficult times in my life.” At one point, Steve experienced housing instability and lived out of his truck for several months. He was able to receive Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) services to help with housing.

For over a year now, Steve has been employed at Harbor Freight where he unloads trucks, stocks products and does general cleaning. “It took a few months to find this job, but it’s been a good fit for me,” Steve continues. “I love helping customers and coworkers out at work. My employer knows that I have a disability and is appreciative of my work skills. They have me do work where my strengths are,” Steve adds. 

“Steve has a caring, generous heart,” said Erika, Steven’s career navigator. “He likes to help people in his community. An example of his generosity would be when he helped his neighbor get a job at his workplace. Steve is a hard worker who wants to do his best at work and will take the time to make sure the details of his job are complete.”

GESMN offers nearly 20 career services that support over 5,500 Minnesotans each year. To help support our programs, you can make a donation here today.