When Cameron graduated from high school, he and his family weren’t sure what he would do next with his life. Born with an intellectual disability, he needed special assistance to help with his epilepsy. He and his family looked at several options but couldn’t find exactly what he needed until a friend told them about Goodwill Houston’s EmployAbility program. Cameron’s mom Shuana says she often donated items to Goodwill as well as shopped at its stores. However, she admits she had no idea about all the services that the organization provided.
EmployAbility provides a holistic, supportive working environment with 12 weeks of free training. That includes two weeks of classroom and 10 weeks of paid on-the-job training. For many in the program it is an opportunity for them to earn their very first paycheck! The program was created in 2022 thanks to a generous donation by philanthropist MacKenzie Scott—which is furthering Goodwill Houston’s mission of changing lives through the power of work.
Beginning with his initial two-week training, EmployAbility made Cameron feel worthy which helped him to thrive within the program. He now works in the donations department at Goodwill’s River Oaks store. He loves his job and is developing new relationships every day. His mom Shuana says Goodwill has boosted Cameron’s confidence and opened the door to prospects he never had before.