Seth first came to Goodwill NCW in 2011 through a Pre-Vocational program at the Grand Chute store, working two days a week. At the time, he was building foundational skills, eager for more responsibility, and motivated to strengthen his communication – goals that would shape his journey for years to come.

From a young age, Seth worked hard toward greater independence. Diagnosed with autism around the age of three, he grew up supported by school programs, community resources, and his family. He explored many different opportunities, from volunteer roles to structured work experiences, each one helping him discover more about his strengths. While some environments, such as manufacturing, weren’t the best fit, one thing became clear: Seth excelled in places where organization, structure, and attention to detail were valued. That’s exactly what he found at Goodwill.

In his early years at the store, Seth built a reputation for being reliable and hardworking. He worked semi-independently in the back room, carefully pricing and preparing items. He didn’t need constant supervision and maintained a steady, consistent pace. He was also developing valuable habits like showing up ready to work, taking direction well, and aiming to complete every task accurately.

Those qualities showed up outside of work, too. Seth’s dad, Scott, recalls how, even as a child, Seth took pride in chores, finishing tasks thoroughly and without complaint. He loved organizing and cleaning and found real satisfaction in doing things well. Change, however, did not come easily. New routines or unexpected shifts could be overwhelming, and managing change became one of his biggest challenges. But over time, with support and encouragement, Seth grew more adaptable.

About a year and a half ago, Seth took a major step forward: beginning the transition from a pre-vocational participant to a team member. This shift meant learning new skills, taking on a more challenging role, and becoming more flexible with his schedule, including occasional night or weekend shifts. He gradually increased his days, expanded his responsibilities, and embraced tasks that once would have felt out of reach. His dad notes that even just a few years earlier, this kind of transition would have been extremely difficult, if not nearly impossible.

A big part of Seth’s growth involved managing transitions and using his time effectively. In the beginning, he sometimes needed reminders to stay on task, especially when switching activities. But through consistent coaching, positive reinforcement, and simple prompts, he built both confidence and independence. His strong memory and ability to retain what he learns quickly became major assets, helping him master tasks and perform them reliably.

Seth’s hard work paid off. After consistently meeting the expectations of the role, he completed the application and interview process and was officially hired as a team member this past November.

Today, Seth is thriving. He is known for his exceptional merchandising skills, particularly in hardlines, where his attention to detail and efficiency truly stand out. His productivity is so strong that the team often prepares extra work in advance to keep up with his pace. He takes pride in his work and approaches every shift with purpose and responsibility.

Seth’s journey is a powerful example of what’s possible when an individual is supported, encouraged, and given the opportunity to grow. He has overcome challenges, developed meaningful skills, and grown into a role where he genuinely belongs. His case manager Rick shares, “He’s fairly new as a team member and he’s enjoying that status, but at a certain point if he decides to go in different direction, as long as he has the right support team that will help him along the way, then he can do it. For Seth, the future is really bright.”