YOUR IMPACT

It's our pleasure to share success stories and our challenge to choose just one!

Chris Johnson (CJ) embodies what is possible through Access to Community Services partner agencies.  With support from Goodwill SCWI job coaches, CJ has thrived at his job for more than 20 years.  A popular figure at the downtown brew pub where he works, CJ’s work day starts each weekday afternoon. His employers say he’s the best kind of employee: reliable, always on time, hard-working, and friendly with both co-workers and customers. His primary duties include cleaning – counters, tables, and laying out place settings.

In between his work duties, CJ usually finds time for dancing, encouraging everyone around him to join in the fun. His musical interests often lead to song. From CJ’s perspective, singing Roll Out The Barrel and laying the silverware are his two favorite things about his job. And from the perspective of his co-workers, CJ is one of the best parts of everyone else’s job.

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CJ helps out regularly at GiGi’s Playhouse

When CJ was in school, he never learned how to read.  In the spring of 2016, CJ became actively involved with GiGi’s Playhouse Madison-another ACS partner agency.  GiGi’s provided him the opportunity to learn to read through weekly one-on-one tutoring at the Playhouse. With this program, CJ quickly learned how to recognize numerous words, especially his favorite food-themed words.  Both his tutor and his family were stunned by his progress, and CJ continues to be excited by the opportunity to learn.

Partner agencies with Access to Community Services help thousands of people gain equal access to opportunities that allow them to live, work and enjoy life in their communities.