Anthony Barber is a single black man in his thirties with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and a mild intellectual disability who lives in Roosevelt Island. He came to Goodwill NYNJ in May 2014 seeking help in finding a job in retail. He enjoys gaming and listening to music, so he wanted to work in a place where he could be in contact with either of his hobbies.

People with ASD, a developmental disability, often have problems with social communication and interaction, restricted or repetitive behaviors, or may have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention. So to prepare Antony for employment, the Goodwill team worked with him to improve his communication and work skills, including multitasking and time management. Anthony secured his first job as sales associate at JC Penny. There, he would place returned items in their original location, and helped customers locate items on the sales floor.

Anthony secured his current job as part-time sales associate working 20 hours/week at the Times Square Old Navy location in June 2022. As Anthony celebrates his one-year anniversary this month, he now has over eight years of retail and customer service experience thanks to Goodwill’s on-the-job-coaching and other supports.

Goodwill’s Supported Employment Program (SEMP) provides vocational rehabilitation services for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Services include intake, one-on-one and group employment counseling, job development, job placement, intensive on-the-job coaching, and long-term supports.

For information or to register to receive Goodwill NYNJ services, please email services@goodwillny.org

Employers seeking talent to fill their job openings should email findgoodpeople@goodwillny.org

Story submitted by the Supported Employment Program (SEMP):

Cynthia Hackett, Program Manager, SEMP Extended.

Nyifa Green, Job Coach.

Yolanda Tirado, Program Manager

Aaron Shmueli, Assistant Vice President.