LOS ANGELES — When 54-year-old Annson Quan isn’t relaxing at home watching soap operas, he’s hard at work at Goodwill Southern California.
“I enjoy working. You know, I’ve been working in all different departments before I came to HR,” he said.
Quan joined Goodwill Southern California in 1990 and now works as an HR clerk, uploading documents, creating employee badges and taking pride in his accomplishments.
“I feel good about the work I do… because I’ve been working hard, coming every day, getting perfect attendance,” he said.
Quan was referred to Goodwill Southern California’’s supported employment program through his regional center, which connects people with developmental disabilities to job training and support.
The nonprofit’s disability services program provides coaching, paid work experience and skill-building opportunities to help participants grow into long-term, independent careers.
Heather Tigert-Vitela, senior director of workforce and career development at Goodwill Southern California, said they’re marking the month with their first-ever resource fair.
“Helping individuals develop the skills and behaviors necessary to succeed in the workplace and eventually transition out into competitive, integrated employment out in their community,” Tigert-Vitela said.
Goodwill Southern California operates 13 employment centers across the region. Sales and donations directly support programs like the one that helped Quan succeed.
“When you go to a store and you make a purchase, that money, the majority of that, is going to go back into our programs and help us to continue to operate. Goodwill SoCal’s mission is transforming lives through the power of work,” she said.
For Quan, that mission is personal.
“I feel appreciated, and I feel like that work day does go by quickly. I’m motivated,” he said.
His story is a reminder that when opportunity meets determination, everyone has the chance to thrive.
