The future we work for and the fate that we are guided to rarely align. Such is the case for Darin W., a Direct Support Professional II for Goodwill Industries of Kansas.
Darin started his professional career helping others grow their business. He provided his clients with data solutions to help them achieve their goals. When this career path ended abruptly, he had to start over.
During that time of transition, Darin returned home to Kansas to care for his elderly parents. His mother had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and his father struggled with physical limitations. Taking care of them became his full-time job while searching for a career path that would allow him to return to traditional work.
“Caring for my parents, I knew that I wanted to use what skills and knowledge I had to help those that might not have a voice, or who might have lost theirs,” Darin said. “I wanted to give back and help others, just as I was helped and supported during the times that I struggled.”
In an effort to stay close to home, Darin began researching nonprofit organizations that offered second-chance career’s. He discovered Goodwill or as he puts it, “Goodwill found me.”
Darin began work as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in October of 2021 and quickly discovered a knack for the job. Serving as a mentor, caregiver, nurse, counselor, and advocate for individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities brought purpose back to his life and made him a better person.
Capitalizing on the opportunities provided, Darin was recently promoted to DSP II through an apprenticeship program sponsored by Goodwill and supported by Interhab. A second chance was all Darin needed to tap into his potential and find the future he was meant for.
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