Goodwill Program:  Coaching Specialist with Goodwill Industries 

“I consider my disability a gift because it helps me understand people who have to work around challenges.”

When Lakita came to Charlotte three years ago, she was unable to find a job in human services even though she had eight years’ experience in the field.   Lakita’s experience included working with people with physical, mental and emotional disabilities, ex-offenders and drug addicts.  Lakita was also a volunteer for Special Olympics.

Lakita believed in Goodwill’s mission of changing lives through the power of work and accepted a job at a Goodwill store sorting donations and hanging clothes. 

Lakita’s dream was to eventually find a job where she could help others, especially those with disabilities.  “I’m a person who has a disability, but I consider my disability a gift because it helps me understand people who have to work around challenges,” Lakita said.

When an opening in Goodwill’s Workforce Development Division was announced, Lakita applied for the job.  “I didn’t get that position, but they offered me another job as a coaching specialist for Goodwill’s supported employment and follow-along services.

Lakita quickly became a valuable member of the coaching team working with individuals with severe employment barriers resulting from an emotional, mental or physical disability.   Lakita is out in the field most days, meeting with her consumers and their employers, to insure progress and success at their jobs. 

“Goodwill’s mission of changing lives through the power of work is certainly true for its employees as well as the people we serve.  I’m now doing the work that I know I was meant to do,” Lakita said.