For those of you who may be unfamiliar with Garrick, he is currently one of the IT Techs here at Goodwill. If you work at the organization’s main headquarters, chances are that Garrick has helped you troubleshoot some sort of technical computer issue. In my case, Garrick has always kindly assisted with my tech woes, even if sometimes it was determined to be a matter of “user error.”  Garrick also provides support to Goodwill’s many retail stores. Even if you have crossed paths with Garrick, you may not know about the personal trials which he has faced, and the resilience he possesses.

Back in 2017, Garrick was enrolled at San Jose State University. His goal: to major in Computer Science. Passing the challenging coursework to obtain this degree is one feat, but Garrick also had to cope with certain challenges which many of us take for granted. His speech, writing and social skills all needed improvement while tackling this daunting curriculum. He enlisted the help of the Kay Armstead for Communicative Disorders department at the school, connecting him to the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR). As a client of the DOR, Garrick enrolled in the Neurodiversity Pathways Program, and began a 6-week work-experience course. He was assigned to a case manager named Tran at the DOR. Garrick said about Tran, “She helped me so much. “She was so patient with me and helped with my speech and communication.” Tran helped to connect Garrick to Goodwill as well. Ivon Perez, the current Program Manager of the Expandability Program – a program which aids those with disabilities find employment – became his first case manager. Ivon and Tran collaborated to provide support, assisting Garrick in developing his employment and living skills outside of his schooling. Garrick’s first job through the DOR program was at Walgreens. Looking back, Garrick told me that this had been a good job for him to develop his employment and social skills, but he knew his skillset and aptitude were deserving of a more challenging role. Ivon Perez said, “Garrick never lost the drive to improve himself, and he was adamant that he would get to land a high-paying job that he knew he wanted and deserved.”

In addition to being supported by the DOR, Garrick also sought additional help through the San Andreas Regional Center, with his goal being to obtain an internship at a company. That company, Cupertino Electric, provided Garrick with the break he needed. The manager at the company witnessed Garrick’s technical abilities and overall value to the company. Garrick ended up completing a 9-month internship. Finally: Enter Goodwill of Silicon Valley.

Following his time at Cupertino Electric, Garrick Kwan did not rest on his laurels. He enrolled in an IT training program (by the way, he did complete his Computer Science degree at San Jose State) which added even more value to his impressive credentials. At Goodwill, he was given a chance – first as a temporary hire– to showcase his skillset. Slowly, he began to turn another corner. As Ivon Perez remembers, “He found his sense of belonging at Goodwill, he found his voice.” Nandor Fejer, Garrick’s current manager and Director of IT at Goodwill added, “We saw Garrick’s drive and determination, and decided to give him an opportunity.” Along with the support of his manager, Garrick found consistent and encouraging support through his Expandability Career Service Coordinator, Delba Shaiju. Eventually, this support helped propel him to a new achievement in his career: his temp role was converted into a full-time staff position within the IT department.

Today, as Garrick Kwan continues to improve in his role, his story is another example of success here at Goodwill, serving as a reminder that you never realize someone’s full potential until they are given a proper chance.

Story by Tyler Thomas

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The program helped me prepare to be interviewed in a more formal style. My Career Services Coordinator helped me answer common interview questions so that I could be more confident and natural when answering any question. I also got to work on creating a strong resume. Before being a part of the program, I did not know that my past work experience at Great America and a retail store could be tailored to the current job that I have today. I learned that we all have transferable skills.

The program was a good fit for me because of the one-on-one interaction. I needed that guidance in order to be where I am right now because no one had worked with me on my job readiness skills. The program also worked with me at my own pace which was really helpful because I did not feel rushed and I did not get overwhelmed. I am the type of person that can get easily overwhelmed with too much information and can get flustered. However, because everything was at my own pace, I was able to process better and take everything one step at a time.

Before participating in the program, I was not unemployed. I was working at a retail store in a field I did not like. This program helped me branch out of the retail field. Before this program, I thought that I would be stuck in retail forever because I lacked the interviewing skills and I just thought that my past work experience was not relevant to be able to do a different kind of job.

I definitely think that the program changed my life because it got me out of retail. Even though I have a Bachelor’s Degree, before being a part of the Program, I never thought that I would be doing a job that I actually enjoy doing. I really like the fact that there is room for growth within this company; I want to become a Trainer; my supervisors think that I would be really good in that position.

I would recommend the program to other people because I am an example of what can happen when you put in the work to better yourself to prepare for the type of job that you want. The program also helped me to be patient with myself because not everything happens quickly, it takes time.

When I received my first paycheck, I was really excited and proud. It was my first time getting such a big check. While working in retail I was only making around $600 per month, working 2 part-time jobs. Now as an Operations Associate, I make close to $3,000 per month as a full-time employee. One of the things I bought with my first check was the new Samsung Note 10+ phone. However, I am saving up to buy a newer car.

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The program changed my life; it helped me to find a job that I like and that I can do well. Making the store clean for the customers is what I like to do.

When I got my first paycheck, I was happy to start saving and happy to give ½ of it to my mom for bills.

I would recommend Expandability! It was very helpful and I learned a lot.

The program was a good fit for me because I was able to work one-on-one with my Career Services Coordinator who helped me with my job readiness skills. I also liked that she worked with me at my own pace. I learned how to create a resume. I had never had one before and I think that is why I was having a hard time finding employment. The program also helped me gain confidence by working with me on my interviewing skills. And, I learned to ask questions when I do not understand something because no one knows everything and I should not be shy to ask questions.

The program changed my life; it helped me to find a job that I like and that I can do well. Making the store clean for the customers is what I like to do. I take out the garbage from the breakroom, the bathrooms, the grooming room and the “oops station”. I also like that it is easy for me to do my job. When I got my first paycheck, I was happy to start saving and happy to give half of it to my mom for bills, food and rent.

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Before I entered the program, I had been unemployed since I was 18. My first job ended when the company went out of business; next I entered a day program, which was never actual employment. Through Expandability, I learned how to write a resume and to interview; they helped me to find a job and then to keep it. I gained independence! My counselor was always there to support me and she also helped me to stay disciplined and focused on my work tasks.

And when I got my first check, I felt really excited and deposited it in the bank; I want to save up so that I can move from my group home and become more independent.

I would recommend Expandability; without it, I would not have this job that I like! I wish there were more programs like it for other people in the population: for example, the homeless who might also need help getting prepared to find a job.

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I think that the program changed my life by teaching me how to find work on my own. It also helped me by becoming more confident in myself. Now I have the confidence to talk to more people and I feel like I open up more compared to before. Now I have made new friends at work and feel more happy.

I was unemployed for 2 years and I felt shy about looking for work, writing resumes and interviewing. My coach at Expandability always met with me one on one with no pressure. So I learned to be more confident, comfortable and professional. The program changed my life; through it, I learned how to work on my own and even have received recognition for my work. What I like about my job is that my managers and co-workers are so supportive and kind. They help me to feel confident and more open to new ideas and people. Before this job, I would stay home with family and didn’t go out much.

When I got my first paycheck, I was so really excited and felt like everything that I worked on through the program had been worth it. I also felt more happy because I felt like my work was worth something. I made a copy of my check and sent it to SSI and then saved the money for a trip to Mexico to see my family.

I would recommend Expandability. It helped me to get a job and to feel confident. My coach helped me learn how to succeed at my job. The program helps people to learn their jobs through job coaching so that they can succeed at work.

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