In 1991, twin brothers Troy and Garrett Wilson were born three months premature, weighing barely more than two pounds each. Troy jokes that he’s older — having arrived five minutes earlier.

“Ultrasounds weren’t as comprehensive back then, so our parents and the doctors were only expecting one baby,” Garrett said. “Not only was my presence a shock, I came out in breech position, with the umbilical cord wrapped around my neck.”

As a result, Garrett developed cerebral palsy. Meanwhile, shortly after Troy was delivered, he suffered a stroke and was also diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The twin boys spent several months in the NICU at the hospital.

Today — 27 years later — they’re both highly respected employees at Goodwill. Initially a volunteer, Troy was paired with our Lafayette retail store in 2016.

“I learned about Goodwill’s mission to employ people with disabilities and appreciated that they help people like me,” he said. “I wanted to work for a company like that, so I applied for a job.”

Troy started as a part-time associate, but through his passion and dedication, earned a full-time promotion to Team Lead, a position with more responsibility that requires him to manage as many as 30 employees in a single shift.

Garrett majored in rhetoric and Spanish at Wabash College. In 2015, he joined The Excel Center, Goodwill’s high school for adults, as a first-time teacher. He taught math, English and humanities, and is now Lead Teacher at The Excel Center in Lafayette.

Garrett often refers students who are looking for a job to Troy. Likewise, Troy refers employees who need a high school diploma to Garrett. Together, these brothers are living out Goodwill’s mission and illustrating a culture of opportunity that is only possible thanks to people like you, who donate and shop at Goodwill.