Why a Job is More Than a Paycheck

Getting paid for your work is rewarding, but that’s not the only benefit of having a job! Employment has a lot to offer on a personal level, including the opportunity to form relationships, build skills, contribute to society, and enjoy a greater sense of fulfillment in life.

The bottom line is that a job is so much more than a paycheck, especially for individuals with disabilities who desire to work and make a difference in their community. Unfortunately, far too many people with disabilities are still left out of the workforce. And, too many employers are missing out on the opportunity to expand their talent pool and create more accessible, diverse, and inclusive workplaces.

At Ohio Valley Goodwill, it’s our goal to help individuals with disabilities overcome barriers to employment and find meaningful jobs within their communities. Part of our mission includes helping employers and community members understand why individuals desire employment in the first place! Read on to learn about some of the rewards of work that aren’t money.

Having a job is a source of dignity

Working is not only a source of income; it can also be a source of dignity in our lives. For many people, employment is an essential part of the American dream, bringing personal fulfillment and an enhanced quality of life. Individuals with disabilities who want to work, just like anyone else, should get to experience the dignity of meaningful employment and vocational success.

Working leads to independence

You may not think about it this way all the time, but having a job actually provides freedom””the freedom to provide for yourself, the freedom to learn and explore, and the freedom to put your skills and talents to good use. This especially rings true for individuals with disabilities who want to live with greater independence and self-sufficiency.

Meaningful employment can empower individuals with disabilities to take on responsibilities and accomplish tasks on their own, resulting in greater confidence, self-esteem, and independence.

Community employment promotes full inclusion

All individuals, regardless of disability, deserve the opportunity to be fully included in the communities in which they live. The meaningful employment of individuals with disabilities plays an important part in achieving this goal! It’s through employment that we interact with others, learn to work as a team, form friendships, and actively participate and contribute to our communities. By hiring individuals with disabilities, employers can help break down barriers to inclusion and build workplaces where all employees feel a sense of acceptance and belonging.

Goodwill creates jobs!

Be a job creator in your community!

As you can see, employment has so much more to offer than just a paycheck! At Ohio Valley Goodwill, we’re all about creating pathways to employment success for individuals with disabilities living in the Greater Cincinnati community””and you can help us fulfill our mission!

Every time you shop at a Goodwill retail store or donate your gently-used goods, you’re helping to change lives through the power of work. Ohio Valley Goodwill is one of the largest training and employment providers for individuals with disabilities in Ohio. With support from dedicated shoppers and donors like you, we’re able to continue providing vocational programs and services that make a difference in Greater Cincinnati.

If you’re a local employer interested in hiring individuals with disabilities, Goodwill can help. View our helpful resources for employers. We also invite you to read the Success Stories of the individuals we’re so proud to serve!

Thank you for supporting Goodwill and being a job creator in your community!