Meet Cindy

Cindy has had to overcome many challenges in her life. She was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in 2001 but manages the conditions with doctor-prescribed medication. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond her control, she lost access to her medication right before she moved to Austin from Huntsville, and was hospitalized once she arrived. Thankfully, during her hospitalization, she gained access to her medication again.

When Cindy was released, she was facing homelessness. With no other options, she went to stay in a shelter while she worked to get her life back on track. It was at the shelter where Cindy learned about Goodwill Central Texas.

“I started working with Chris (Career Case Manager) and I got a job…at Goodwill.” Cindy loves her job with the Housekeeping Team and she’s proud of how far she has come since she started working for Goodwill. “I’ve been a winner ever since I’ve been down here. I’m making it, and I’m successful,” she said. “My job keeps me focused on being excellent, playing hard and working hard.”

While Cindy spent six months in the shelter overall, her new job meant she could get a place of her own. “I take my job and my work very seriously. I’m here to perform and be professional and feel great about my work when I do it.”

Cindy says she has learned a lot from working at Goodwill and her new life in Austin. “Goodwill is my family. It makes me feel excellent,” says Cindy. And she’s also grateful for people in our community who support Goodwill Central Texas. “They are my guardian angel, and they are watching over me and my job at Goodwill.”