Robert Thompson

Stabbing Victim Thankful for Job
Robert Thompson thrives on positive feedback from Goodwill managers.

As the world’s most wealthy country, Americans have a lot to be thankful for—prosperity, freedom, and the chance to live the American dream.

For many people with disabilities, getting a shot at the American dream comes to a standstill when trying to enter the workforce. According to the Office of the Disability Employment Policy, 70 percent of people with disabilities are unemployed. 

But for the 30 percent who do have jobs, earning that paycheck means dignity and independence—and something to be thankful for.

Robert Thompson knows just that feeling.  “They (Goodwill) don’t use my disability against me,” says Robert who is blind in his left eye and has a learning disability.  Robert has worked at a Goodwill store in Nashville for almost two years now. 

“[The jobs I had before] were nightmares.  They treated me like nothing,” says Robert.  Even though Robert makes a little less on his paycheck at Goodwill, the work environment and recognition are more important than a bigger paycheck.  “It’s the best job I’ve ever had.”

Due to his disability, Robert can’t get his driver’s license—limiting where he can work. 

For his Goodwill job, Robert walks 45 minutes one-way to work each day. “I’ve had perfect attendance,” boasts Robert who battles the elements on a regular basis showing a commitment to his career.

With the holidays over for another year, Robert still remembers that unfortunate Christmas just five years ago when he was the victim of a brutal robbery.  “They stabbed me with a screwdriver in the back of my head and hit me with a baseball bat in front,” says Robert.

Robert had to stay in the hospital while he recovered and leaned on his neighbors to help him during his down time.  As soon as was possible, Robert moved apartments to escape the terrible memories and feel protected.

Now, Robert’s thankful for his safe, two-bedroom apartment and his job at Goodwill.

“Everybody’s got a calling.  I think mine’s this job,” says Robert.