Programs

I will aspire: Goodwill's job training, career services, and youth programs help people achieve independence.

Programs

• Job Training and Placement Services
• Career Services - Boston Career Link
• Beyond Jobs
• Clothing Collaborative for Job Trainees
• Services for Individuals with Disabilities/Ability One
• Youth Programs

Michael Moriarty - I Will Work

Michael Moriarty - I Will Work

For Woburn area residents, Michael Moriarty is the face of Goodwill. And that suits Michael just fine.

The former carpenter, who suffered a brain injury several years ago when he was assaulted, loves nothing better than to spread the word about the power of donations and the impact they have on the community.

“When people drop things off, I tell them they are giving to a great organization,” Michael said. “They are giving to an organization that helps people with disabilities, like me. And they love that they are giving to Goodwill.”

Michael, a Lynn resident, came to Goodwill through a referral from the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission. Two years before was the assault that left him in the intensive care unit for three weeks.

After being told that he might not be able to work again, Michael, a former alcoholic, challenged himself to get better.

“I was sober for four years before the assault and then I started drinking again,” Michael said. “That led to the incident. Today, I’m disabled because of my drinking, but I work on getting better every day.”

At Goodwill, Michael worked first in a janitorial training program, but with a little coaching and guidance, was able to start working as a donations attendant. “I love it,” said Michael. “I love meeting all the different people.”

And Michael takes advantage of his second chance: he’s a regular speaker for Brains at Risk, an awareness program for the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts.

“God kept me around for a reason,” he said. “Now I give back.”