With the Guidance and Support of Seattle Goodwill, Lazon Campbell Finds Employment and a Renewed Sense of Purpose
Everyday Heroes: Second Chances
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For nine years, Lazon Campbell’s depression consumed him. What started as a byproduct of his parents’ passing became an everyday, uphill battle.
During these dark years, Lazon frequently visited Seattle Goodwill stores to take advantage of sales and to find items to resell.
“I was hearing them always say over the loudspeaker, that ‘jobs change lives’ and ‘we have a job training program,’” said Lazon. “I was kind of reluctant to go and kept putting it off.”
When Lazon finally made the choice to learn more and apply to the program, his life changed for the better. Seattle Goodwill offers job training and education (JTE) programs to people across the community. These programs span work readiness, vocational training, and support services to address barriers standing in the way of individual success.
“When you teach JTE applicants how to work and how to become independent financially, they will actually sustain themselves and grow to achieve everything else that they want in life,” said Seattle Goodwill e-commerce manager Amina Ahnach.
Fourteen months later, Lazon is a valued customer service agent at the Seattle Goodwill store.
“I love the positive atmosphere he creates,” said Eric Moe, general manager of Seattle Goodwill. “You can hear it in his voice. You can see how he looks the customers in the eyes and actually has a great conversation with them. He engages very well.”
Goodwill supports its 6 JTE programs across Washington state by listing merchandise on its eBay store. With every purchase made, $0.85 of every dollar goes to the program.
By selling on eBay, Seattle Goodwill is able to ensure that their inventory reaches more consumers and, as a result, increase the number of people that they are helping in their communities. Last year, Seattle Goodwill helped 11,000 people in its community alone—Lazon being one of them.
Lazon’s employment at Goodwill has allowed him to better provide for his infant daughter. “I want her to know that nothing is impossible and that you just have to work towards it. You can't just wait for an opportunity to fall in your lap,” he said. “There's an opportunity coming. You just have to look for it, and be prepared for it.”
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