Veronica goes
above and beyond!
veronica preston
Employment specialist
individual employment services (ies)
Veronica was hired in December 2012 as a Job Coach in our Community Employment Services program. In April 2014, she was promoted to Employment Specialist where Veronica currently assists participants in securing competitive employment.
Veronica was like a sponge when learning her new role, absorbing as much information as she could. She readily embraced the need for outreach and networking to create job opportunities. She serves as an ambassador for ESGI at Chamber of Commerce events and activities. Recently Veronica was inducted into the Chamber’s Greater New Haven Leadership Center with a full scholarship. This program provides leadership training and community education, allowing emerging leaders to serve as catalysts for change in the Greater New Haven Community.
She arranged a group orientation for several ESGI program participants at CTWorks Career Center’s ACE (Accelerating Connections to Employment) Program. Collaborating with Gateway Community College, the program improves reading, writing and math skills. Participants are trained for high-demand occupations which offer a career pathway.
Veronica even took it upon herself to enroll in a Sign Language class to communicate with deaf and hard-of-hearing program participants. She is always the first to volunteer for a new project or task. Simply said, “Veronica goes above and beyond!”
Every day, Kenicha puts her best foot forward and helps out wherever and whenever she is needed.
kenicha lopez
assistant manager
new haven goodwill store
In April 2012, Kenicha was hired as a Sales Associate in our New Haven Store. Her hard work and enthusiasm earned her a promotion to Shift Supervisor, then again to her current position as Assistant Manager.
Every day, Kenicha puts her best foot forward and helps out wherever and whenever she is needed. This philosophy extended to training staff at several stores on the new POS computerized cash register system. Kenicha readily changed her work schedule to accommodate others during this training period. Afterwards, Kenicha stopped in at the stores to see if things were going smoothly and if any additional support was needed.
Kenicha has assisted her Store Manager in many upgrades to the sales floor which quickly increased sales revenue. She has received several letters from customers commending her excellent customer service. Kenicha is remarkably polite and respectful to customers, staff and program participants. She truly has extraordinary people skills and is fluent in both Spanish and English. Kenicha has also served as a Safety Ambassador at her store, supporting our strong focus on safe work environments and practices. It’s well-deserved that Kenicha be recognized as an Employee of the Year!
Whatever the need, William will respond.
william outlaw
community advocate
community reentry services (CRS)
William provides extensive advocacy and peer support to individuals who are reentering the community. This includes escorting offenders on furlough to various appointments to pave the way for a smooth reentry. Trips include NA or AA meetings, visits to a Parole or Probation Officer, educational opportunities and appointments with health care providers or potential employers. To prepare for these visits William does extensive research and groundwork to ensure a stress-free experience for all.
William saw a critical need to develop a Men’s Support Group to address the many barriers to reentry. Men in this group are dealing with homelessness, sobriety, extensive family issues and community conflicts. William’s support extends well beyond the program. He receives phone calls late at night from participants who need to talk or a ride to a safe place. Whatever the need, William will respond. It is this level of support that was recognized at an appreciation dinner hosted by the Men’s Group at Project MORE in New Haven. He was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation after the group spoke of the impact that William has had on their lives.
It is with enthusiasm and pride that we recognize William’s truly extraordinary role and special abilities. William, we are so fortunate to have you on our team. This is a well-deserved honor and we thank you for all that you do.
Karoline's holistic approach affords her the ability to understand each individual.
karoline barry
job coach
community employment services (CeS)
As of January 2015, Karoline has completed 17 years of dedicated service to ESGI. She consistently demonstrates her caring and compassionate nature with program participants. Karoline’s holistic approach affords her the ability to understand each individual and how to best serve them. A typical day will find Karoline working with a work crew at one of our Goodwill Stores. Her team hangs and tags textiles to keep the sales floor full of new merchandise.
Karoline had also been a long-time fixture at Greenbrier, the horticulture program we ran at Edgerton Park in New Haven. She was the perfect match for such a quiet, idyllic location amidst the gardens and plants.
It’s the genuineness in Karoline’s demeanor that has earned her the honor of being named an Employee of the Year --- congratulations, Karoline, for well-deserved recognition!
He exemplifies a work ethic that cannot be beat.
victor gomez
van driver
transportation
For over 2 years, Victor has been transporting program participants in our SPICE and Community Employment Services programs. He has embraced a role that could easily be overlooked and has fulfilled his duties in an extraordinary manner.
Victor’s professional, kind and genuine demeanor is recognized on a daily basis. He displays extraordinary customer service towards anybody he comes across! Victor is always ready and willing to lend a hand, including preparing vans and walkways for safe travel during harsh weather conditions. He exemplifies a work ethic that cannot be beat.
Victor’s co-workers stated it perfectly in his nomination for Employee of the Year — “There is nobody who deserves greater recognition than Victor.” Congratulations Victor!
Flo is organized, efficient and works well within a team.
florence richo
assistant manager
branford goodwill store
Flo was hired in February 2010 as a Shift Supervisor for our Clinton Store. Following a transfer to the New Haven Store, she was promoted to Assistant Manager at our Branford Store. Flo’s energy, drive and determination were a good match for this new and struggling location. In addition to her strong grasp of Goodwill operations, Flo’s skill set and personality helped to improve the Branford Store.
Flo has proven herself twice-over in her current role; she readily embraced the challenge of working together with the Store Manager and staff to make this location a success. Flo is organized, efficient and works well within a team. She is direct in her approach and vociferous with her words. Flo has proven to be an excellent leader and we have reaped the benefits of her contributions at 3 of our Goodwill stores so far!