Goodwill Becomes ‘A part of History’

Through the professional behavior and work ethic of the students from the P.A.R.T. construction class and the Environmental Services class we have become, along with our students, a part of history.

We have just completed another Sherwin Williams paint class at the historical landmark, “The National Council Of Negro Women” (NCNW) that consisted of students strictly from the Goodwill training classes. Our students not only represented themselves with the utmost dignity, but were shining lights brightly illuminating Goodwill for the opportunities that have arisen as a result of the services we provide. They were recognized for their accomplishment and received their certificates on Friday, May the 11th.

Bill Allman, the Sherwin Williams facilitator, once again stated how respectful our students are and how prepared and aware of what is required of them to make the next step in the journey of success. He consistently praised them for their attention to detail and how well they followed instruction. He attributed this to their grasp of the “Life Skills” they had acquired from their training here at Goodwill.

John Zilka, the leading authority in the lead removal, lead abatement, and the asbestos removal industry, taught the component concerning these areas and how they relate to the painting industry. He also stated that our students asked “strong questions” (his words) were very attentive, and found solutions to the questions and the problems that were posed to them; and this in comparison to the many classes he teaches around the country. His remarks were so poignant that Bill said he had never made these statements before concerning any other class…period. John also mentioned that the best class he had taught was a class in Youngstown that consisted of youth participants from an organization similar to what we do here at Goodwill. He said our students surpassed them.

Finally, the prestigious Dorothy Height, Chair and President Emerita, shared with the students the historical background of NCNW and how they have now contributed to that history. She was very eloquent in her remarks about her gratitude and sincere appreciation for what they have accomplished for themselves, and for this landmark that was erected on the very sight of the first slave rebellion, and how this structure represents the struggle and the eventual victory for freedom. She stressed that the work they performed will be acknowledged as a contributing factor to the overall beauty and refinement of this exquisite structure shared by visitors from around the country and the world. When she spoke on Capitol Hill she made it clear that Sherwin Williams and the students from Goodwill played an integral part in the refurbishing and restoration of the only African American owned building that stands between the White House and the Capitol.

Furthermore, the students and the staff from Training and Employment would like to offer heartfelt thanks and commend the Retail and Contracts Division, and everyone through out Goodwill of Greater Washington, for their many efforts that make these training classes possible giving these students the hope, the opportunity, and the ability to succeed.

Submitted by Rodney Brooks, Goodwill Environmental Services Trainer