Heroes & Success Stories
MERS Helps a Determined Worker Return to the Workforce
Bill exemplifies strength. Following an amputation and knee replacement surgery and while in the midst of a global pandemic, Bill was determined to return to the workforce. Now, with a strong and dedicated support system, a new job, and an amazingly positive attitude, Bill is ready to keep succeeding. Bill...
Tobie Albrecht – Coordinator for Brain Injury Services at MERS Goodwill’s Lippman Center
Since 2018, Tobie Albrecht has been as the Coordinator for Brain Injury Services at MERS Goodwill’s Lippman Center, working with clients recovering from traumatic brain injuries who are seeking to re-enter the workforce. With a passion for helping people learn new skills, build upon existing ones, and find long-term success...
MERS Goodwill Helps Make Veteran’s Dream Job a Reality
Veteran David Wells knows firsthand that age is just a number when it comes to finding a job you are truly passionate about. When David retired from the United States Air Force in 2011, he was faced with the obstacle that so many other veterans struggle with: reentering the workforce...
Hometown Hero: Pat Schutzenhofer
Patricia Schutzenhofer’s dedication to helping others realize their potential is something to be admired. Pat is a Supervisor of Talent Acquisition at Schnucks Market, Inc. at the Lackland Road location and has been working with MERS Goodwill’s Summer Work Experience Program (SWEP) since 2008. SWEP is a pre-employment program developed...
MERS Goodwill Client Success Story: Vickie Jones, Computer Works
When Vickie Jones enters a room she exudes confidence with her beaming smile and contagious laugh. Vickie faces the world with a developmental disability, but she has so many things to be grateful for – celebrating four years as a breast cancer survivor, a new apartment, her friends and family,...
MERS Goodwill Client Success Story: Paul Stevens
Paul Stevens didn’t want a miracle; he just wanted to be respected, find a good job and to eventually go to college. With the help of MERS Goodwill, he is one step closer to reaching his long-term goals and becoming an independent young adult. For as long as he can...
MERS Goodwill Hometown Hero Story: Linda Woodward
The ability to help an 84-year-old learn new computer programs or teaching at-risk youth the basics of a job interview is just another day in the life of Linda Woodward. Linda, a Job Retention Specialist for MERS Goodwill, is celebrating her 20th anniversary with the agency this summer. For Linda’s...
MERS Goodwill Client Success Story: Jack Windle
For more than 15 years, Jack Windle was a dedicated employee in the warehouse industry. But as the economy worsened, Jack soon found himself unemployed. Jack is not only hard-of-hearing, he struggles with reading comprehension, understanding and spelling, which makes filling out job applications extremely difficult. Soon after losing his...
Hometown Hero: Chris Ross
Chris Ross, manager for H.M. Dunn Aerospace, has always had a soft spot for helping youth in the St. Louis community. When Chris heard about the StL Youth Jobs program, a new jobs initiative that aims to break the cycle of poverty and crime by coordinating on-the-job work experiences for...