When Maurice first came to Goodwill Columbus, he was facing a daunting set of hurdles. As an individual who is profoundly deaf and navigating the complexities of a past legal record, he found his livelihood threatened when he could no longer work as a delivery driver.
He turned to Goodwill’s career services for a fresh start, and for four months, he worked tirelessly with his career coach, Robin, to build a professional resume, navigate online applications, and refine his interview skills.
Maurice recalls that before this partnership, the prospect of finding a stable career felt impossible, but the motivation he found at Goodwill kept him moving forward. This dedication led him to an interview with Gifthealth in Hilliard. Maurice arrived with an ASL interpreter and immediately impressed Grace, the recruiter, with his character and work ethic.
While the hiring process faced an initial delay due to administrative hurdles and clarifying details regarding his background check—a period that caused Maurice significant anxiety—the HR team at Gifthealth remained committed to the process. They recognized Maurice’s potential and worked diligently behind the scenes to ensure he was given a fair opportunity.
When the call finally came that he was hired, Maurice was overwhelmed with emotion. Having faced rejection from so many other employers, he was moved to tears by the fact that Gifthealth chose to give him a chance.
Since joining the team in October as a Packaging Clerk, Maurice has become an indispensable part of the Gifthealth family. The company has gone above and beyond to ensure a safe, inclusive environment, providing him with a specialized vest to assist with workplace communication and connecting him with other ASL-using staff.
His supervisors, Riley and Sandi, speak highly of his “Sunday regular” status, noting that he consistently seeks out overtime and brings a vibrant sense of humor and kindness to the warehouse floor.
Maurice is no longer just “looking for a job;” he is building a career. In his spare time, he continues to focus on self-improvement, reading books and working on his speech. “I’m proud that I made myself better,” he says. “I’m proud that Goodwill helped me and that Gifthealth gave me a chance.”
At Goodwill Columbus, we are honored to partner with inclusive employers like Gifthealth who recognize that a person’s past does not define their future. Maurice’s story is a reminder that with the right support and a willing heart, transformation is always possible.
