ar2022 fullreport 7x10 gwh final DIGITAL - Flipbook - Page 6
THE VOICE
OF GOODWILL
In 1970, Linda Parish and her parents came to Goodwill
Houston in search of Linda’s future. Twenty years old,
Linda was born without arms and underdeveloped
legs as a result of the drug Thalidomide. Due to her
disabilities, employment options were limited. Linda
worked not only to live an independent life but to
have a career. Determined to succeed, Linda found
an opportunity at Goodwill Houston. Linda learned to
drive thanks to a specially outfitted vehicle. She served
as a switchboard operator and was an outstanding
receptionist for the organization. Known throughout her
tenure as the “Voice of Goodwill”, Linda welcomed every
visitor and caller to our corporate headquarters with
kindness and a warm smile. In 2006, Linda was awarded
Goodwill Industries International’s National Achiever of
the Year—a highly coveted honor. In 2022, after 52 years
of service to Goodwill Houston, Linda Parish retired.
Goodwill held a phenomenal send-off reception that
included thanks and congratulations from generations of
friends, supporters, and team members.
