“Robin’s story is one of perseverance, growth, and believing in herself,” said Goodwill Employment Specialist Dawn Partyka. “She trusted the process, worked hard, and never gave up on her goals.”

When Robin Immormino first came to Goodwill’s Supported Transitional Employment Program (STEP), she was eager to work and motivated to build her independence. While she was quiet at first, it didn’t take long for Goodwill staff to see her determination and positive attitude.

“Once you make that connection with Robin, you get to know who she really is,” Dawn said. “She wanted to work, and she wanted the opportunity to prove herself.”

Robin began her journey through STEP by participating in on-the-job evaluations at Goodwill. Working alongside Dawn, she gained valuable work experience while exploring different types of jobs to discover her strengths and interests.

One of those opportunities was at a Goodwill store, where Robin worked in both donation processing and cleaning. According to Store Manager Tessa Rush, Robin quickly became a valued member of the team.

“When we asked Robin to clean something, she always went above and beyond,” Tessa said. “She paid attention to every detail and took pride in her work.”

Mackenzie Shaban, Goodwill Career Coach

As Robin’s confidence grew, so did her independence. Goodwill staff recognized that she was ready for the next step and began searching for a position that matched her skills and work ethic.

They found the perfect fit at TJ Maxx.

Today, Robin is responsible for cleaning and maintaining multiple areas throughout the store, including the break room, bathrooms, and sales floor. One of her biggest challenges was learning how to sweep the entire store, a task that initially felt overwhelming because of its size. Working together, Robin and Dawn broke the task into smaller sections, making it easier to manage and master.

“It was wonderful to watch her succeed,” Dawn said. “You could see her confidence and belief in herself continue to grow.”

Robin’s success has extended far beyond the workplace. According to Goodwill Career Coach Mackenzie Shaban, earning her own paycheck has helped Robin gain confidence and continue building an independent life.

“Robin has grown so much over the past two years,” Mackenzie said. “She’s courageous, kind, caring, and a ray of sunshine.”

Today, Robin continues to thrive at TJ Maxx and live independently. Her journey reflects what can happen when determination, opportunity, and support come together.

“Thanks, Goodwill,” Robin said.