The Inspiring Journey of Angie: Resilience and Growth at Goodwill Manasota
When life throws unexpected challenges our way, it’s often resilience that defines our journey forward. Take, for instance, Angie—a remarkable woman whose story exemplifies strength, determination, and the pursuit of a fulfilling career despite facing significant obstacles.
At just 17, Angie was like any other high school senior, balancing classes, friendships, and dreams for the future. However, her life took a dramatic turn when she was involved in a severe car accident that led to an extended hospital stay and ultimately forced her to miss her high school graduation. The trauma from her injuries resulted in a stroke, leaving her with paralysis on her right side.
Despite these daunting challenges, Angie’s spirit remained unbroken. She faced the arduous task of relearning the basic activities of daily life—eating, brushing her teeth, combing her hair, getting dressed, and walking. With heart, positivity, and determination, Angie persevered through each hurdle, refusing to let her circumstances define her.
Angie’s journey didn’t stop there. After years of rehabilitation and hard work, she found her calling in the field of direct care and mental health, dedicating over 15 years to helping others in need. Becoming a mother added another beautiful layer to her life, but Angie aspired for more—a job that offered stability, longevity, and a competitive rate of pay.
That’s when Angie discovered a job listing for a Hanger/Sorter at Goodwill Manasota. With an unwavering determination to succeed, she applied and quickly became one of the fastest team members to hang and sort apparel. Not only did she meet the expectations set before her, but she exceeded them, setting new personal goals and achieving them with vigor.
As her skills continued to grow, Angie eagerly applied for the position of Apparel Lead. She knew she had more to offer and was ready to expand her skillset. In her new role, she was responsible for pricing Boutique and Standard Apparel items, where she thrived in directing and managing her team members.
Yet, life threw another curveball when Hurricane Ian struck southwest Florida in 2022, devastating Angie’s RV and posing a severe challenge for her family. With her home damaged, Angie faced the daunting task of providing a safe living environment for herself and her daughter. The repairs needed were extensive, including fixes for the floor, ceiling, electricity, HVAC systems, and water pump, along with replacing furnishings and housewares.
Thanks to the support of her Goodwill team and the guidance of her Goodwill Partner Coach (GPC), Angie was able to submit an emergency funding assistance application through the Season of Sharing platform, which helped cover her lot rent while she focused on repairs. Her persistence paid off when she became one of the few team members selected to receive two mattresses generously donated by Matter Brothers of Sarasota, aimed at assisting team members in need.
As FEMA provided little aid, and with additional damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Angie made the brave decision to sell her RV and seek out a rented single-family home. With the continued support from her GPC and Goodwill’s mission-driven team, Angie successfully relocated, and her coworkers even lent a helping hand during her move.
In the wake of these challenges, Angie saw another opportunity for growth when the Key Holder position became available. Driven by her desire for more responsibility and leadership, she applied—and was thrilled to accept the job offer. This new role marks yet another step in her ongoing career path with Goodwill Manasota.
Throughout her journey, Angie has never allowed her physical disability to be a source of discouragement. Instead, she feels deeply invested in her path with Goodwill Manasota, driven to keep learning and striving for excellence. Her gratitude for her accomplishments and the support she has received from her team is palpable, as she proudly shares her story and the pride she feels working for Goodwill Manasota.
Angie’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of community support. At Goodwill Manasota, we believe in empowering individuals like Angie to reach their full potential, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive, regardless of the challenges they face.
Join us in celebrating Angie’s inspiring story and the incredible work being done at Goodwill Manasota. Together, we can continue to make a difference in our community and support those on their journey to success.
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