Bonnie had previously received support from a Goodwill NCW Employment placement specialist and was successfully employed at the LaCrosse Goodwill store when her husband suffered a series of strokes, a crisis that severely impacted her ability to work and maintain financial stability. Through overcoming obstacles with Goodwill NCW, and with the combined support from Store Team Leader Sheri and Employment Placement Specialist Matt, Bonnie was connected to Goodwill NCW’s Financial Wellness Services and referred to additional community resources to help her through her family’s difficult time. Matt also helped coordinate a call with the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), who arranged for a benefits analysis for both Bonnie and her husband and initiated an assessment for his eligibility for Long Term Care through the state.
Later, when Bonnie lost access to transportation when a family member moved out of the house, she again worked with a Financial Wellness Counselor to explore vehicle funding options.
“Goodwill has been very helpful to me in the past several months because I have had very big obstacles to overcome,” Bonnie says. “If I had been employed anywhere else I wouldn’t have my job. It makes me become overwhelmed with emotions when I really think about it and everything has been done for me. They are a company that really cares for their employees. I don’t know if I could ever repay or show them how I appreciate it.”
Bonnie’s journey highlights how Goodwill’s mission to Elevate People by Eliminating Barriers to Employment supports individuals through life’s challenges, at work and beyond.
To learn more about our Financial Wellness Services: https://goodwillncw.org/financial-wellness-services/