Special Needs Living Akron/Canton- August 2022

Community Impact Q&A

QUESTION And ANSWER Session With A COMMUNITY RESOURCE

Laura Walker, The Goodwill Industries of Akron

Question: Where do you work currently?

Answer: The Goodwill Industries of Akron.

Q: What is your job title here?

A: Vice President of Mission Services.

Q: How long have you been employed in your current job?

A: Seven months.

Q: How long have you been employed in this industry?

A: Sixten years.

Q: What were your previous jobs in the industry?

A: Direct Support Professional, Job Coach, Program Manager, Program Director, and CARF Surveyor.

Q: Educational background?

A: Bachelor of Science.

Q: What do your day-to-day job responsibilities include?

A: As a member of the Executive Leadership of Goodwill Industries, it is my responsibility to ensure that employees have the resources available to carry forward the mission to help individuals prepare for, find and retain employment. Through strategic and operational oversight, I work diligently in a range of tasks to oversee Mission Services and our Workforce.

Q: What is the inspiration behind why you work in this field?

A: I have a passion for helping others that I discovered early in my career. While in college, I went through a period of rediscovery after losing a child, a parent, and a job. I found a Direct Support Professional position with Hattie Larlham that was able to fill a void in my life. What I did not realize at the time was that I was about to embark on a journey that would turn my career path in a different direction and ultimately change my life forever.

Q: What part of your job are you most passionate about?

A: Workforce and Professional Development. Whether it is working with a person referred for services or a team member, my passion is to help people pursue their interests and reach their goals. Employment helps a person gain a sense of pride and self-satisfaction. While everyone’s employment journey is unique, I believe every person who desires to work should be able to have this experience.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who is new to your field?

A: Focus on the abilities of those that you will work with. Each person will amaze you with their own unique talents and characteristics. Set a person up for success but also leave room for failure to learn those valuable life lessons and give the person the opportunity and support to overcome challenges they will face in the natural world.

Q: What is your favorite success story you have seen?

A: A young gentleman coming out of high school that my team supported was working on basic employment skills in a factory setting. At a meeting where we discussed his first 90 days, he told his team and me that he wanted to be successful at work so that he could purchase a car and eventually move out on his own. With the support of his team, this young man was able to save up enough money in 14 months to purchase his first vehicle. The pride he expressed in being able to drive himself to work was exhilarating! Within the next year, he moved into an apartment with a friend and secured a higher-paying job, living his best life. He was grateful for having the resources and support from his team to reach his goals, but ultimately it was his determination and positive attitude that drove his success.

Q: What advice would you give to parents in your field to help navigate?

A: Get involved early, ask a lot of questions, and hold people accountable. Advocate for the needs of your child and continue to pursue resources that will help your family and child navigate the challenges that life will present. Help your child to write their own story.

Q: Where do you see your industry going moving forward?

A: The last two years have changed the world of work dramatically, and we are seeing a change in how people view employment. I believe innovation and creative approaches will change our landscape in the next several years to address challenges such as the workforce shortage, burnout, and efficiency challenges. For people with disabilities, I feel that it is a time where they can truly shine and demonstrate their skillsets to companies, leading to more diverse and inclusive work environments.

Q: What has been the biggest factor in your career success?

A: I have been blessed with great mentors, colleagues, and family who have surrounded and encouraged me to strive for greater success. Without the people that I have encountered along the way and their encouragement, I may have settled, but there was always someone there to push me a little further. That is what I encourage you to do for others, pay it forward and give a person your encouragement to strive for greatness! Be someone’s cheerleader.

Q: What is your favorite nonprofit organization or volunteer opportunity?

A: I would love the opportunity to tell you more about the great work that we do at Goodwill Industries of Akron and the impact that we make in our local communities. We turn your donated treasures into resources that provide assistance in areas such as employment services, transportation, emergency assistance funds, and more. Check us out at https://goodwillakron. org or follow us on social media.