Heroes & Success Stories

Hometown Hero: Carrie Sheahan-Pernsley

MERS/Goodwill’s summer youth programs are essential to building the self-esteem and confidence of local youth. Thanks in part to the work of Carrie Sheahan-Pernsley, Program Supervisor for MERS/Goodwill’s Summer Work Experience Program (SWEP), youth with a variety of developmental disabilities from 29 St. Louis County high schools are given the...

Hometown Hero: Jerome Pollard

After having difficulties finding a job, Jerome Pollard is now known by his boss as “one of (her) best workers”. He was recently hired as a full-time dishwasher/busser for Sportsman’s Park Restaurant in St. Louis and, for Becky O’Brien, the restaurant’s General Manager, hiring Jerome was one of the best...

Client Success: David Stillman

Customers visiting Monkey Joe’s today for the indoor bounce house and playground will find David Stillman, a participant of MERS/Goodwill’s Supported Employment Program, hard at work and amazing customers. A Kirkwood native, David is living another day at his dream job, fulfilling his passion for sports and working with kids....

Client Success: John Spells

When John Spells retired from the United States military, he faced one of the greatest challenges that so many veterans come to know first-hand: the transition from military to civilian life and the hurdles that exist in reentering the workforce. It’s been a long journey, but with guidance and support...

Client Success: Allison Shelley

Allison Shelley has never let disabilities and challenges deter her from going for her dream. Feeling defeated with her former employer’s expectations and the struggles she faced with having to cope with her learning disability and her unique way of needing to learn, Allison found an amazing support system at...

Client Success: Anthony Barker

Anthony Barker is a charming and determined young man who has proven that he will not let obstacles hinder his future. Anthony faced numerous hardships from the day he was born. Born premature, Anthony had to undergo countless surgeries throughout his childhood. As an adult, Anthony has been forced to...

Client Success: Dylan Thayer

Dylan Thayer, a determined 26-year-old, had been working part-time at a restaurant since high school graduation about 5 years ago. As with most first jobs, Dylan began to outgrow this position and wanted to find a new challenge. After speaking with family, he decided he was ready for full-time employment...

Client Success: Alex Peterson

In today’s society, children and young adults on the Autism spectrum and their family members know all too well the challenges that can be associated with gaining independence and providing for oneself. Alex Peterson, an intelligent and determined twenty year-old, knows first-hand what it takes to help overcome the challenging...

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.”