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Leo Purcell: The Life-Changing Connection

Leo Purcell:  The Life-Changing Connection

A wonderful example of the success of Goodwill’s social enterprise programs is Leo Purcell who is now a team leader in Goodwill’s Somerville store.  "I don’t know what I would have done if it hadn’t been for Goodwill," he says. "You see, it all happened because, well, because I had some trouble with the law.  Nobody would hire me.  Nobody.  I tried everywhere and everything, but I couldn’t get a job."

But then the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission referred Leo to Goodwill. "That’s when I got a break because Goodwill didn’t turn me away like the others.  They gave me a chance," he says.  After going through a job readiness training course, Leo gained on-the-job training working in Goodwill’s Distribution Center for a year and a half.  "It was well worth it," he recalls.  "A lot of people helped me, especially my case manager."

Leo’s second break came when Goodwill was able to place him in The Goodwill Store in Davis Square in Somerville.  "It was pretty hard at first," remembers Leo.  "I had to learn how to deal with customers, something that was new for me.  But I worked really hard and Goodwill saw that.  They saw that I had grown up and was serious about my job.  In six months I was promoted to team leader!"

Today, Leo is happy and enthusiastic about his work.  He says, "I’m not in trouble any more and I feel good about my life now.  Goodwill gave me the chance I really needed.  I’m so grateful that they helped me change my life!"