Nearly half of 25-year-olds with autism have never had a paying job and only 16% of persons with autism ever live independently, so when twin brothers Andre and Austin Archer connected with Goodwill Disability Services in 2016 and said they were eager to do both, our team got to work.

The power of freedom of creativity is remarkable when someone is offered a place for unlimited self-expression and personal growth. The Goodwill Art Studio and Gallery, which operates out of Goodwill Columbus, is an innovative find arts program for people with developmental disabilities and other barriers.

Heather lost her vision during childhood due to retinoblastoma and is completely blind. With the help of Goodwill, Heather was placed with Heritage Farms, located in Huntington, West Virginia as an in-house artisan. She is an incredibly talented basket weaver and has been basket weaving for more than 20 years, completely by touch! She says she can envision the baskets in her mind and bring it to life through her hands.

Goodwill helped him find a new passion for IT.

“There is still so much to learn.”

“Goodwill gave me hope again and a new start.”

“She learns every single day. She’s determined to get better every single day.”

“He’s amazing. I can’t tell you enough how proud I am of him. I’m honored to be his boss.”

Marcus finds his own path to independence.

Jamie gets a second chance and builds a whole new life.

Lyonel is living proof, even in adversity, you can change your outlook and your life.

David discovers a powerful program that brings meaning to his life.

Aurora overcomes her past and finds her “sparkle.”

Ashley refused to let anything stand between her and her goals.