Resilient Young Man Shines Brightly

Keanu started life with many obstacles. When he was adopted by an American family from a Thailand orphanage at the age of three, Keanu had not met any of the milestones typical for his age group. He was still being fed with a bottle and could neither walk nor talk owing to Keanu being autistic, deaf, and blind.

Believing medical and social services could help Keanu thrive, his adoptive father challenged doctors’ opinions that his hearing was beyond help. He saw to it that Keanu was equipped with hearing aids, which contributed to a positive attitude that led him to want more out of life.

Seeking to learn more and gain work experience, Keanu was referred by the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR) to Goodwill’s Skills to Enable Personal Success (STEPS) program. His pre-vocational coach Kim observed Keanu’s resourcefulness and resilience.

Keanu received hand-over-hand and verbal instructions with allotted time to familiarize himself with tasks that he was determined to master. He often commented to his intake coordinator, “I will not do sloppy work. My coach says I need to do a good job.”

Keanu exceeded all expectations for his work performance: he worked as independently as possible, showed remarkable drive and determination, and was meticulous with every job he performed.

A true shining star, Keanu left everyone in awe throughout his assessment with Goodwill—an experience for which he continuously thanked his coach.

Goodwill gave Keanu a springboard to employment.

Learn how Goodwill’s Disability Programs work for Southern Nevada.