Heroes & Success Stories

MERS Goodwill Hometown Hero: Christina Holmes

There are many facts surrounding domestic violence: one in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime, most violent acts happen between 6pm and 6am; without help, girls who witness domestic violence are more vulnerable to abuse as teens and adults. One fact that goes unsaid is that women...

MERS/Goodwill Client Success Story: Dennis Cronin

Dennis Cronin has come a long way since 2012 when he was referred to MERS/Goodwill’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). In less than two years, Dennis has overcome more personal and professional barriers than most do in a lifetime. Today, Dennis is the building manager for the Veterans of...

MERS/Goodwill Client Success Story: Nathaniel Brown, Jr.

Nathaniel Brown, Jr. was out of work and needed help finding a job. While waiting for the bus one day, Nathaniel began talking with someone who knew about the community employment programs offered by MERS/Goodwill. Despite not having an official employer for more than 10 years, Nathaniel enthusiastically worked to...

Defying Expectations and Making a Difference in Ferguson: Darius Luckett

Darius Luckett defies the expectations of many teenagers. This 18-year-old is making a significant difference in the lives of his peers and the surrounding St. Louis community during a time of needed healing. Despite dropping out of high school in early 2014, Darius was never one to tread lightly and...

Josh Payne: MERS/Goodwill success story

Josh Payne knows first-hand that just about anything can be accomplished with faith in yourself and a great support system. As a student at Pattonville High School, Josh made great strides. He never missed class and earned the highest community service hours in his class. Josh received support through the...

Veteran Tony Harrington Brings Hope, Gives Goodwill as Hometown Hero

At the core of Tony Harrington’s determination to help others succeed is the Army value: “If you aren’t going to quit, neither will I.” As a Retention Specialist with MERS/Goodwill and 30-year Army veteran, Tony believes that every person has the capacity to gain meaningful employment and become more self-sufficient....

MERS/Goodwill Gives New Hope for Client Jimmie Anthony

Jimmie Anthony has never let a disability or obstacle define him. During his time as an automobile operator at a factory in Dexter, MO in 2010, he was diagnosed as having a massive blood clot in his right arm and two blood clots in his jugular. He immediately began treatment...

MERS/Goodwill Client Success: Denedra Ellis

Denedra Ellis can proudly say she’s living life to the fullest because of her employment. For the first time ever, Denedra has a steady income with full benefits – something that she has been working toward since prior to high school graduation five years ago. While a student at Vashon...

Hometown Hero: Veteran Dale Lee

Veteran Dale Lee landed his dream job at the Department of Defense in May of 2015 after retiring from a 26 year career with the U.S. Army. He is assisting men and women – and future veterans – in the processing for military service. While Dale is responsible for helping...

Here are just a few of the comments we received from clients:

“I wish I could express how much it means to have a professional who is positive, knowledgeable, capable and who is thinking clearly, when I know I’m not thinking so good myself.”

“I am humbled at the patience and support of my case worker, who has not given up on me.”

“Thank you so much for all of the hard work you have put into finding me a job (a job I really enjoy as well.) I hate job hunting more than almost anything else on the planet & you took the pain out of my job search. You are awesome! Thank you so much for your efforts!”

“Thank you for all the support that you have given to me to find a job that I love.”

“I leave feeling better about my future.”

“Happy with the service and how they assisted with me obtaining a full time position with benefits.”

“I am very impressed with the professionalism and personal attention I am receiving from the choice I made to work with this organization.”

“I am really happy to be a part of MERS. I actually look forward to coming to class, and I love my case worker. She is so encouraging and positive.”

“Both James and Myrna are very professional. They are both fun to be with, which for me gives self-esteem and confidence. They both are great listeners and provide many options. I enjoy their company and look forward to what’s ahead.”

“This program has been very helpful in helping me become more comfortable around new people and become ready for a job.”

“I have recommended MERS and VR to my best friend to help him get a job.”

“I would highly recommend this program to others. It is a great opportunity to work with everyone here.”

“I was so pleased. I have told everyone I know about how good MERS Goodwill is.”