Annette Mendoza sinks into her sleek black new La-Z-Boy recliner, ready to relax as the day melts away. After a productive shift at JOANN Fabrics, this moment of relaxation feels well-earned. The chair isn’t just furniture; it’s a testament to her determination and independence. Annette’s sights were set on owning it long before its acquisition, as she saved diligently and made it happen—all on her own. Whether it’s indulging in a haircut or upgrading her home, Annette’s financial aspirations are all about creating the life she wants—one thoughtful choice at a time. For her, the ability to work and earn a paycheck is what makes this all possible.
Now, imagine stepping into your local Goodwill thrift store: a treasure trove of gently-used items waiting to breathe new life into your home or wardrobe. It’s not just a great place to shop—it’s also the perfect destination to donate those things you no longer need, turning them into opportunities for others.
While this image tells an important story, it's only a small glimpse into the incredible impact Goodwill has on our communities. The programs offered at Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette range from training at the area stores to a variety of other opportunities for individuals to develop vocational skills and overcome barriers to employment. These vocational programs include the Long Term Services (LTS) program, which offers interactive
training opportunities at Goodwill’s locations.
Curious about the connection between Goodwill and Annette? She has been a part of the family at Goodwill for a significant part of her life as a participant in the organization’s programs. It’s been so much more than an association—Goodwill is a place where Annette has built friendships, developed skills and gained valuable experience. She has also worked closely with different team members over the years and has grown significantly, both as an individual and in her career-related skills.
“Annette is always upbeat and willing to try something new.” Said Emilie Dorondo, Senior
Program Manager at Goodwill, “She always says ‘Yes!’ to new challenges.”
The friends Annette made at Goodwill have become a mainstay in her life and an important part of who she has become. Since 2004, she has participated in a plethora of Goodwill services. Beginning in the PAC (Production and Contracts) program, she was assessed for her skills and abilities and placed at the Oak Grove Goodwill store based on its proximity to her home. Over the years, Annette continued to participate in services at various Goodwill locations throughout the Portland Metro area, including working at individual Goodwill stores and participating in social events and career path activities, such as math and reading on computers.
In April of 2021, after an interruption from the COVID-19 pandemic, Annette resumed her efforts to pursue work. She rejoined Goodwill programming through their Skills Training and Enrichment Program (STEP). STEP brings together people with disabilities for social, career and community learning. Annette enjoys spending time with her STEP friends, and she fondly remembers painting, dancing and singing as being her favorite activities of the program.
Annette is a big fan of the Dirty Dancing soundtrack, especially the song “Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes, one of her favorites. Whenever someone asks what song to play, she always says, “Dirty Dancing,” referring to “Time of My Life.” In STEP, participants also have the chance to visit local community organizations. Annette especially enjoyed spending time with the cats and dogs at the Oregon Humane Society on a recent outing.
Goodwill’s Long Term Services contract with Vocational Rehabilitation allowed Annette to begin working on finding competitive employment in the community. She volunteered at the Habitat ReStore to develop her communication skills, job-related abilities and self-confidence. During this time, Annette developed independence by performing tasks such as doing laundry, cleaning floors and recycling cardboard boxes.
Annette created her resume, practiced interviewing skills and began submitting applications with her LTS job coach. At first, she was interested in working at a pet store, but then changed course, eventually meeting and interviewing with James Clary, the store manager at JOANN Fabrics in Southeast Portland. She received an offer for part-time employment on the spot and started working in August 2022 for nine hours per week.
At JOANN Fabrics, Annette’s responsibilities include sweeping the aisles and assisting customers. She is known as one of the only employees that can complete the large task of
sweeping the entire store during her work hours. She shows dedication and tenacity and has grown in her skills. She especially enjoys a new work task: passing out crafting kits to customers as they enter the store.
Since her hiring, Annette has been recognized by JOANN’s corporate appreciation program and received two awards called “A Cut Above.” James is very proud of Annette and says, “She is an asset to the company, and Store 2554 wouldn’t be what it is without her tireless efforts and smiles each day. Annette is a valuable member of our team and we appreciate her hard work and dedication.”
Aside from these accolades, Annette demonstrated quick thinking and safety skills one afternoon when she swiftly alerted her team to a small microwave fire and ensured everyone stayed safe. With her bright green JOANN’s apron, she stands proudly as a valued member
of the team, ready to tackle any challenge that comes her way!
Annette is no stranger to the materials and tools sold at JOANN’s. She loves crafting,
making jewelry and painting. In 2022, at the Multnomah County Art Show, Annette sold a painting entitled Friends. The woman that purchased the artwork admired the painting so much and sent an email with a photo to show Annette where the artwork hangs in her home, writing, “I'll smile every day when I look up at the wall.”
The people, employment programs and social offerings at Good-
will Industries of the Columbia Willamette have proven to be an important part of Annette’s life. At Goodwill, she has built a community of friends, developed new skills and ultimately
found meaningful employment in the community, which makes it possible for her to achieve her personal goals and financial ambitions. The team at Goodwill is incredibly proud of her accomplishments in both her personal and professional life!
“Annette has blossomed and flourished within the programs at Goodwill.” Said Nicole Polaske of Goodwill, “She is one of the most hard-working individuals and has grown in both her confidence and abilities because of her incredible determination.”
Annette's life, intertwined with Goodwill’s and JOANN’s, brings to mind the image of her sitting in her dependable, cozy black La-Z-Boy recliner. As it softly rocks her into tranquility, she closes her eyes, at peace, knowing that every stitch of her independence has been sewn with her own hands.
Long Term Services with Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette Community Employment Opportunities
Long Term Services (LTS) offers employment assistance to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities which are driven by client-informed choice. LTS employees support clients in obtaining competitive, integrated, community jobs through résumé writing, building relationships with community businesses, job shadowing and informal/formal interviews. From the client's first day on the job, LTS assistance is provided to learn work tasks independently and to develop natural support with the client making the decision when independence is achieved.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Scott Hatley is the Executive Director at INCIGHT
Pia Gilgen is the Director of Education at INCIGHT. She oversees INCIGHTful Learning Curriculum and the INCIGHT Scholarship.
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