It’s not hard to spot Debra on the production floor at 1500 Mission Street. You’ll find her smiling and laughing while she works on the computer, prices clothes, loads merchandise into bins to be distributed to the stores, and shows new employees the ropes. She is the one who colleagues come to when they have questions. She is the one who others rely on to get the job done.
Looking at Debra’s bright smile, you’d never guess the struggles she’s had. Her mother recently lost her battle with a debilitating cancer and passed away. Two of her brothers have died in the last few years—one from illness and the other in a car accident. And a year ago, two of her sons died in street violence. Debra credits her Goodwill colleagues with helping her get through these tragedies. “The workers here at Goodwill are like a big family,” she said. “We support each other with our hard times.”
Debra has worked at Goodwill for the past four years, first as a transitional employee receiving job training, and then as permanent staff. “Over the past four years, Goodwill has done wonders for me,” said Debra. It’s helped me see things better. It’s made me happier with myself. It’s made me want to help others. It’s motivated me to do something with my life. It’s improved my sense of humor and my people skills. It’s developed my listening skills and taught me how to have more respect for others.”
One of Debra’s favorite parts of the job is appre- ciating the cultural diversity of her co-workers. “We have people from so many different nations working here,” said Debra. “I love trying their Chinese and Filipino foods at lunch time. I love learning words from them.” Another fun part of the job is when her five grandkids stop by Goodwill to eat lunch with her.
Debra hopes to become an Assistant Manager on the production floor in the next few years. And after that, who knows? The sky is the limit for Debra. In the meantime, countless people at Goodwill are benefiting from her amazingly positive outlook. “I like to smile,” said Debra. “I like to help people who are down and convince them that life’s not that bad.”
