Posted 12:03 am Saturday, September 01, 2012
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Goodwill employee receives award after enduring personal tragedy
By Rebecca Hoeffner
rhoeffner@tylerpaper.com
A local Goodwill employee was recognized by the organization with an international award. He celebrated with coworkers, friends and family at a reception Friday.
rhoeffner@tylerpaper.com
A local Goodwill employee was recognized by the organization with an international award. He celebrated with coworkers, friends and family at a reception Friday.
When a random drive-by shooting ended Jarvin Dorsey’s football career one week after high school graduation, he didn’t let his new life with paralysis in both legs stop him from making a difference.
“Ever since my injury I’ve had the time of my life, and I tell people that all the time,” he said.
The Edgar J. Helms Award for Graduate Staff honors a Goodwill employee who is a part recipient of Goodwill services, and who “exemplifies the mission of Goodwill Industries and its founder, the Rev. J. Helms’ values of unselfish service to people who disabilities or other disadvantaging conditions,” according to a written release from the organization.
Since his accident, helping others with disabilities has been one of Dorsey’s passions.
“Jarvin takes a hands-on approach to helping others reach their potential,” said David Walton, CEO of Goodwill Industries of East Texas. “He sees his Goodwill work as a calling and not just a job.”
Amy Wilson, development coordinator and Dorsey’s direct supervisor, read from the nomination she submitted for Dorsey to the international organization. She recalled Dorsey’s struggle to find work for years with the help of Goodwill and the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services.
While undergoing Goodwill’s Work Adjustment Training program, Dorsey’s skill in teaching others stood out to his trainer. He was offered a job at Goodwill as a work adjustment trainer aide.
“His primary responsibilities were to directly teach consumers job skills, such as developing work ethics, focus, timeliness and accepting corrective feedback,” Ms. Wilson said.
After two promotions, Dorsey now works as the work adjustment training coordinator. He also volunteers his time and cofounded the East Texas Piney Woods chapter of Turning Point, an organization that provides no-cost sports and outdoor activities to individuals with mobility impairments.
Dorsey received his award at Goodwill’s annual delegate assembly meeting in Miami earlier this summer. His coworker, Heather Goggans, recalled some difficulty in finding accommodation for Dorsey with airlines and hotels, but said he took the issues in stride.
“His graciousness despite adversity touched everyone,” she said. “He is an example for persons with disabilities and is constantly breaking stereotypes.”
The Edgar J. Helms Award for Graduate Staff honors a Goodwill employee who is a part recipient of Goodwill services, and who “exemplifies the mission of Goodwill Industries and its founder, the Rev. J. Helms’ values of unselfish service to people who disabilities or other disadvantaging conditions,” according to a written release from the organization.
Since his accident, helping others with disabilities has been one of Dorsey’s passions.
“Jarvin takes a hands-on approach to helping others reach their potential,” said David Walton, CEO of Goodwill Industries of East Texas. “He sees his Goodwill work as a calling and not just a job.”
Amy Wilson, development coordinator and Dorsey’s direct supervisor, read from the nomination she submitted for Dorsey to the international organization. She recalled Dorsey’s struggle to find work for years with the help of Goodwill and the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services.
While undergoing Goodwill’s Work Adjustment Training program, Dorsey’s skill in teaching others stood out to his trainer. He was offered a job at Goodwill as a work adjustment trainer aide.
“His primary responsibilities were to directly teach consumers job skills, such as developing work ethics, focus, timeliness and accepting corrective feedback,” Ms. Wilson said.
After two promotions, Dorsey now works as the work adjustment training coordinator. He also volunteers his time and cofounded the East Texas Piney Woods chapter of Turning Point, an organization that provides no-cost sports and outdoor activities to individuals with mobility impairments.
Dorsey received his award at Goodwill’s annual delegate assembly meeting in Miami earlier this summer. His coworker, Heather Goggans, recalled some difficulty in finding accommodation for Dorsey with airlines and hotels, but said he took the issues in stride.
“His graciousness despite adversity touched everyone,” she said. “He is an example for persons with disabilities and is constantly breaking stereotypes.”
