The Great Employee at Goodwill–Aaron Addington’s Workplace Success

By Katie Strickland

If you don’t see Aaron Addington bicycling around Sarasota or spending time at his church, you will find him working at Goodwill Industries. Addington has worked part-time at Goodwill for almost four years.

Addington began his path to employment through the Vocational Rehabilitation process. Once that process had been completed, Addington continued working with ongoing support from a job coach provided through Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) Supported Employment. Supported Employment assists employees with disabilities with finding and maintaining a job.

Addington enjoys both the time spent with his coworkers and the tasks he performs at Goodwill. He stocks the shelves and helps unload the trucks that make deliveries to his store, as well as assists customers in the Giftware department. Addington appreciates the team in his workplace; when asked if he likes his boss and coworkers, Addington responded, “I love them!”

His employment at Goodwill has been positive not only for Addington, but also for those he encounters during his shifts. Goodwill Manager Cristina Cerna says, “Aaron brings joy to the workplace. He tackles each task with a can-do attitude.” It’s clear that workplace inclusion has benefited both employer and employee.

Addington’s waiver support coordinator (WSC), Melissa Mazaeda, has known him for over 20 years, serving as his WSC for 13 of them.  Due to his employment, Mazaeda has seen progression in Addington’s social exchanges. Mazaeda says, “Aaron has made tremendous strides in how he interacts with the folks he works with and how much value he places on having a job. He is very proud of his accomplishments at work and takes pride in what he does.”

Colleen Martin, Addington’s supported employment coach, notes that a key to Addington’s success is that he takes his job very seriously and takes pride in his work. If he has a work schedule change and his regular transportation arrangements are not feasible, Addington does not hesitate to bike to work. Martin says, “Aaron never misses work and is a hard worker.”

With a long-term commitment to working, Addington dreams of retiring one day and spending more time participating in church activities. But until retirement, Addington continues to succeed in the workplace, taking so much pride in his job.

Addington enjoys both the time spent with his coworkers and the tasks he performs at Goodwill.