Mission Moment: Annie Won't Allow Disability to Slow Her Down

Stop by the Honore Avenue Goodwill Manasota store and you'll likely see Annie. You'll see her working hard in the apparel department at the retail store – hanging and sorting clothes, and spreading her positive attitude to everyone who crosses her path. You're sure to see all of that and more; however, Annie won't see you. That's because seven years ago, Annie went blind when Glaucoma stole her sight.

Although she's worked hard for most of her life, when Goodwill Manasota hired Annie last year, it was the first paid job she'd ever held. Prior to coming to work for Goodwill, she spent some time volunteering as a pool monitor, but most of her time over the past 10 years was consumed with taking care of her bedridden aunt, who was dependent on Annie to help her perform everyday tasks – a responsibility Annie took great pride in, and one that is truly impressive given her disability.

In an economy that is still recovering with fierce job competition, a solid resume will only get you so far. Positions that once required a high school diploma now attract applicants with post-graduate degrees, and standing out to employers often requires some creativity. For people with disabilities like Annie- especially one like being blind, the job search is even more difficult. This may be one reason why the unemployment rate among the disabled remains at 14.1 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy. For this reason, Goodwill Manasota is working to bring attention to the benefits of hiring disabled workers during National Disability Employment Awareness Month this October.

Assisted by her guide dog, Alex, Annie walks proudly through the Goodwill store where she works, greeting customers and exchanging pleasantries with fellow employees. Her positive attitude and limitless work ethic have made her popular with her co-workers, and she gushes about the friends she's made over the past year.

"I have great co-workers and it's really the people here that make this a great place to work," said Annie, who credits her parents for teaching her the importance of being friendly and keeping a positive attitude.

The Florida Division of Blind Services worked with Goodwill to find Annie her job. For more than 111 years, Goodwill has helped people like Annie navigate the challenges they face when seeking employment, whether they be due to a disability, lack of education or work experience, or other factors -- giving people not a hand out, but a hand up. For Annie, the opportunity to work for Goodwill has changed her life.

"I am just so grateful to Goodwill for giving me this opportunity," she said. "It's challenging, but I love a challenge because it shows me what I'm made of."

Annie hasn't let her disability slow her down, hinder her ability to work or prevent her from enjoying normal activities – like taking a cruise with her husband, who is also blind, or attending a Paul McCartney concert, which she recently did. In fact, her optimistic outlook and dedication to her job have inspired her co-workers and demonstrated how an organization can benefit as a whole from hiring disabled workers. 

On Oct. 24th, Annie was honored as the 2013 Employee of the Year during the organization's annual Goodwill Ambassador Awards Dinner. It was the first award for a woman who sees grand plans for her future.

"I'd like to someday work in a nursing home as a CNA because I like taking care of people," she said. "They tell me I can't because I'm blind and can't read the instruments, but I just laugh and tell them that's why I have a talking thermometer and blood pressure machine at home."

About Goodwill Manasota:

Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization that changes lives through the power of work. We accomplish our mission through a network of Good Neighbor Centers in Sarasota, Manatee, Hardee and DeSoto counties and our Mission Development Services (MDS) around North America. For more than 110 years, Goodwill has provided opportunities through such programs as Donated Goods Employment Services, Job Connection, JobsPlus, Supported JobsPlus, HomeBuyer’s Club, Mission Development Services, White Glove Services, Good Neighbor Program and Ambassadors Program. Goodwill continues to assist people with disabilities and barriers to opportunity by changing lives through the power of work. Goodwill Manasota, Inc. is legally organized under the laws of the United States and the State of Florida. We are accountable to a local Board of Directors. Goodwill Manasota in essence belongs to this community, and is NOT owned by any individual or company. For more information, visit www.EXPERIENCEGOODWILL.ORG