When Mike Fields was 11 years old, he had a bicycle accident that resulted in a skull fracture and severe brain damage, leaving him with a cognitive disability, loss of dexterity, and  speech disorder.  He needs a wheelchair for mobility.  Despite these devastating life changes, Mike was committed to becoming independent, graduating from high school, and gaining meaningful employment.  In June 1983, he graduated from Richland High School.  In 1984, Mike came to GICV’s Vocational Development Services in search of learning skills that would enable him to obtain work.  And 28 years later, he continues to be a valued team member with GICV.

Mike currently works in GICV’s Developmental Disabilities Services.  He has an impeccable track record of attendance.  His job is to hang donated clothing in preparation for the Goodwill Retail Stores.  In 2011, Mike successfully hung 17,572 pieces of clothing.  He is an inspiring and motivated role model to peers and the community.  Regardless of all of the challenges Mike has faced, he maintains an optimistic outlook.  Despite having to relearn all of the skills he acquired prior to his accident, Mike is one of the most positive, hardworking, and sincere gentleman that the staff has known.

Mike exemplifies precisely what it means to be a success.  He has defied a host of physical and cognitive disabilities to become a contributing and productive member of a work team.  For maintaining his positive attitude and reaching his goals, GICV named Mike Fields as a 2011 Achiever of the Year.

After Jeff was laid-off from a well-paying job with a defense contractor in the summer of 2010, he was proactive with all of the services available to him through GICV and CareerLink.

Through the PA CareerLink Cambria County, GICV helps adults and dislocated workers find employment through training/retraining and education services that are federally funded by the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and made possible through the Southern Alleghenies Workforce Investment Board, the region’s leader and active partner in workforce development efforts.  After Jeff Boback was laid-off from a well-paying job with a defense contractor in the summer of 2010, he was proactive with all services available to him through GICV and CareerLink.  A state Workforce Development Grant enabled Jeff to receive machinist training through the Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center (GJCTC).

Jeff’s registration was slightly after the training program’s start date, but he put in the necessary extra time and earned straight A’s.  He also won the 2nd Place award at the Skills USA state competition in Hershey, PA in the Automated Manufacturing Technology category.  After a request by GJCTC’s Administrative Director, Jeff and other adult students made a presentation to the school board about the machining program, the grant opportunity, what they learned, and how they will apply their knowledge to job searches. 

Career counselors helped Jeff to prepare a professional résumé targeted at the machining field.  He then enrolled in on-the-job training funded by WIA, giving him valuable real-world experience, and giving the employer reimbursement for wages spent training the candidate.

Jeff received an overwhelming response from employers and had his choice of jobs.  Just 27 days after Jeff completed training, he was hired full-time by Aeroparts Machining and Fabrication, Inc. (Aerofab). For being proactive with the opportunities he had after becoming unemployed, GICV named Jeff Boback as a 2011 Achiever of the Year.

Chris likes his job.  He is consistently praised for his performance.  He is also praised for his attendance, even though he often walks to work—no matter what the weather.

When funding was discontinued at a sheltered workshop where Chris Custer had been employed for many years, he was referred in July 2011 to GICV’s Community Employment Services (CES).  The goal of GICV’s CES is to help individuals overcome barriers and find competitive employment, and to assist those individuals in preparing for successful job placement and retention.   

Eager to find competitive employment, Chris attended all job search appointments.  He received compliments from interviewers on his enthusiasm and professional appearance.  In August 2011, Chris interviewed with Arbutus Park Manor’s Dietary Department.  Buddy Roth, Food Services Director was very impressed with his attitude and offered him the job working 20–24 hours per week. 

Chris receives a pay differential or increase because he is willing to work the later shift.  He earns sick time, vacation time, and annual bonuses, and receives health benefits.

Chris likes his job.  With the help of a GICV Job Coach, he quickly learned his job duties.  He regularly sets-up hot and cold foods in the staff dining room and serves meals to the evening staff.  Chris also serves his fellow coworkers during the monthly staff appreciation  lunch and dinner.  And in the personal care dining room, Chris helps with plating and serving meals to residents—and knows most of them by name. 

Chris is always well-dressed and well-groomed, which is essential for a food service job.  He is consistently praised for his performance.  He is also praised for his attendance, even though he often walks to work— no matter what the weather.  For securing employment through perseverance and retaining it through performance, GICV named Chris Custer as a 2011 Achiever of the Year.

Arbutus Park Manor

Southern Alleghenies Career Education Partnership/Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency