Work has the power to transform a person—to provide self-esteem, confidence, pride, and a sense of belonging. That’s exactly what working at Pangea Reptile has done for Jordan.

Jordan was referred to Goodwill’s Employment and Training Center (ETC) in Holland by Community Mental Health of Ottawa County to help him develop his job skills. In the past, Jordan struggled to secure and maintain community-based employment.

“I struggled a lot with my behavior issues and wasn’t always the nicest person,” Jordan said.

Enrolled in Goodwill’s Work Readiness program, Jordan received paid skill-building opportunities at Goodwill’s ETC, performing light industrial work outsourced from local businesses. Under the guidance of Goodwill Program Manager Matt Cashbaugh, Jordan learned a variety of coping skills to shift his mindset, improve his attitude and decision-making abilities, and develop his social and communication skills.

As he progressed, Jordan was ready to advance to community-based employment and was enrolled in Goodwill’s Supported Employment program.

In 2020, Goodwill developed a partnership with Pangea Reptile, a Zeeland-based pet company that needed help assembling reptile cages at their production facility. Matt and his team arranged for three ETC workers to be transported to Pangea three days a week, accompanied and supervised by an on-site Goodwill job coach.

“Jordan was immediately excited about this new opportunity,” Matt said. “He mostly works on substrate packaging, which involves measuring and weighing appropriate quantities of materials and sealing them.”

The special community-based work partnership between Pangea and Goodwill has been a win-win. “Pangea is a really good place for Jordan to learn a lot of social skills,” said Goodwill Job Coach Meg Barry, who works on site with the Goodwill team.

Ryan Chavez, Pangea Operations Manager

“Jordan is quite a character. He’s a lovable guy,” said Pangea Operations Manager Ryan Chavez. “He comes in with the crew and makes the rounds, saying hello to everybody—‘How are you doing?’ ‘Good morning?’—which we all look forward to. Then he gets right to work. He knows his task and is dedicated to it.”

“I like how I get to do a lot of new tasks each time I’m there,” Jordan said. “I really like the Pangea employees, and I get the sense that they care about me and the Goodwill crew a lot. We work hard to make sure we meet their deadlines. I take my time, listen to everything they say, and maintain a good attitude while being open to whatever they ask me to do.”

“Since working at Pangea, Jordan has really taken responsibility for himself,” said Matt. “He’s become the de facto leader of the group and is always willing to take on any task that Pangea asks of him. They often seek out Jordan for special projects because of his willingness.”

“I thank Goodwill for helping me get this job and every staff member who worked so hard to make my work at Pangea possible,” Jordan said. “I’ve grown into a good worker and learned how to be an independent adult. I like everyone here, and this is my chance to shine.”