Homeless vets find help at Goodwill
How two Quad Cities vets overcame the challenges of civilian life
MOLINE – After years of military service, Eugene Kraemer found adjusting to civilian life overwhelming. With a
recent divorce and job loss, Eugene’s life seemed headed for a downward spiral. Unable to find a job and with the threat of homelessness looming on the horizon, Eugene discovered the disadvantaged veteran’s program at the Moline Goodwill store in 2009.
Thanks to Eugene’s previous experience in retail, Goodwill began training him for a job in the Moline store. Goodwill’s motto to provide “a leg up instead of a handout” applied to the new direction in Eugene’s life. Goodwill case manager Steve Bunn explains, “Eugene became fully engaged in the opportunity. He demonstrated a good work ethic and an excellent attendance record.”
Building on the opportunity his training at Goodwill provided, Eugene was motivated to re-engage in finding a full-time job. He began attending job fairs and worked with the counselors at Goodwill’s Employment Services to create an effective résumé.
Eugene discovered the most attractive job offer came from the Goodwill store he trained at – joining the retail support staff in February 2010. His interest in the online component of Goodwill’s retail operations helped him expand his role by spotting donated items that were a good match for the online auction site shopgoodwill.com.
In 2011 Eugene Kraemer was honored with the Goodwill Achievement Award for his outstanding work as an employee served by the disadvantaged veteran’s program. During the same awards ceremony, he was joined on stage by another vet living in the Quad Cities, Cedric Lee.
In 2010, Cedric Lee was homeless, a far cry from his days as a Senior Airman in the Air Force. Cedric entered Goodwill’s Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program in July of the same year. As if not hav
ing a place to stay, no transportation and no income wasn’t enough, Cedric had long gaps in his employment history, a criminal record and a history of chemical dependency. Without a support system, his future looked bleak.
Goodwill rehabilitation counselor Susan Maloney describes the first steps Cedric made towards turning his life around, “After enrolling in the Intensive Outpatient Program through the VA to address his chemical dependency, Cedric became highly motivated to find a job.”
He was placed in the Moline Goodwill store for 12 hours a week. Cedric was quickly recommended to be placed in the Compensated Work Therapy Program through Veterans Affairs. He was accepted into this program and began saving his earnings, anticipating a move to Iowa City. In the meantime, a 40-hour, temporary position at the Moline Goodwill Store became available. Cedric accepted the temporary position, still saving money for his move to Iowa City and planning to get an apartment. Subsequently, Cedric was offered and accepted a position at the VA Hospital in Iowa City.
With the influx of returning veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, those unable to cope with civilian life after experiencing the stress of combat have few options. Goodwill of the Heartland has found success in working with veterans desperate for a return to an independent and productive life.
About Goodwill of the Heartland
Goodwill of the Heartland provides services to advance the well-being of individuals with barriers to independence. Funded in part by 13 Goodwill Stores in southeastern Iowa and the Quad Cities, Goodwill of the Heartland provides job training, vocational rehabilitation services and work experience. The organization served thousands of clients through a variety of intensive and basic services in 2010. For more information about Goodwill services or for our retail locations, visit goodwillheartland.org or call (319) 337-4158.
