Geno Cox, blind since birth, recently celebrated 10 years as an associate at the Anderson Goodwill store. After attending the Indiana School for the Blind, Geno had difficulty finding a job locally.
“I ended up living out of state for 10 years, relocating to where I was able to find work,” Geno said.
Geno moved back to Indiana after his father was diagnosed with cancer. In November 2007, assisted by his seeing-eye dog, he applied for a job at Goodwill.
“I didn’t expect anything right away, but the store manager hired me immediately,” Geno said. “I’m blessed to have a job in my hometown.”
He quickly stood out to his supervisors, displaying an extraordinary work ethic. Using sound and touch, he pulls textiles from a box and manipulates the clothing to hang and rack it.
“Geno isn’t deterred by his inability to see,” said Austin Baker, manager at the Anderson Goodwill. “He’s very productive, hanging more than 1,000 textiles each day.”
In 2009, Geno was honored with Goodwill’s Achiever of the Year award.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to work, and I hope Goodwill continues to hire individuals who are blind,” Geno said.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals with disabilities are twice as likely to be unemployed as individuals without disabilities.
“Goodwill employs more than 3,600 Hoosiers – 35% of whom have a disability,” said Kent A. Kramer, president and CEO of Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana. “We are proud to provide individuals who want a job with an opportunity.”
Learn more about Goodwill’s Disability Services and direct employment opportunities: https://www.goodwillindy.org/disability-services/.