Stuart VanNoort

Stuart VanNoort Goodwill Production Employee – Sioux Falls

He has a willingness to work that overshadows his disability.

A smile, positive attitude and willingness to work make Stuart VanNoort a model employee at Goodwill’s South Norton store in Sioux Falls, SD. Born with Cerebral Palsy, in Canton, S.D., Stuart has always enjoyed an honest day’s work. In fact, he loves to return to the family farm to help out when his busy schedule allows.

Goodwill Sales Manager Heather Faulkner said, “Stuart went through Goodwill’s job training program and was eventually placed in the production area. He is a phenomenal worker. He does any task you ask him to do. He is very good at accepting donations from donors and they have gotten to know him as the friendly guy who helps them unload items from their cars. I wish I had ten more workers like him.”

Stuart also helps sort, puts donations in bins, moves boxes and is known for his playful sense of humor as he has been known to pull an occasional practical joke on other workers. When asked what he like most about working at Goodwill he said, “The sense of belonging and being part of the team.”

Stuart is a perfect example of the power of Goodwill’s mission which focuses on empowering people with barriers through work opportunities. Seeing Stuart at work his disability disappears.