Success Stories

Success in Action

Kenslo Russell (left) recently became the supervisor for Goodwill’s new mattress dismantling venture – which is designed to provide employment for homeless veterans in Silicon Valley. Kenslo has an impressive record of service through the U.S. Army and, more recently, working with young people at the San Jose Conservation Corps. He was unexpectedly laid off in February, 2008, eventually losing his car and apartment. Kenslo completed the customer service training program at Goodwill, and interviewed successfully for the supervisor position. “This program will benefit the veterans by providing steady employment and  help keep mattress materials from the landfill through recycling,” Kenslo stated, “ I intend to make this the best mattress dismantling operation in the state of California.

John Waszily (right) is the Programs Coordinator for the Homeless Reintegration Program.  John joined Goodwill in May 2007 just as he was graduating from Veteran’s Administration’s Homeless Veterans Rehabilitation Program.  John lost his business, his marriage and his home due to alcoholism.  John now is extremely successful managing our Homeless Veterans Program and has helped over 300 veterans in the past 22 months.   John says “Of all the times in my life, this is the best!”

John's own success story is now featured on the homepage of Goodwill International.