Bosnian Refugee Found Help at Goodwill

SUCCESS STORY

June 27, 2008

Mirsada Causavic fled from her native country, Bosnia, 12 years ago, and arrived in the United States unable to speak a word of English and needing to support her 3-year-old son. “I was a refugee because of the war going on in my country at that time,” says Mirsada. “After spending a few months in a refugee camp in Croatia, I came to the United States in October 1996.”

In San Francisco, Mirsada sought help from Immigrant Refugee Services, and they referred her to Goodwill’s Transitional Employment Program. “I remember the very first day in orientation at Goodwill,” says Mirsada. “I started out in Production at 1500 Mission, hanging clothes, sorting goods, tagging merchandise, and supporting my supervisor.” Over the last 12 years, Mirsada has been promoted twice, first to the Assistant Supervisor position and then to the Assistant Manager position. In her current role, Mirsada manages the entire Ready-to-Wear section of the warehouse.

“I have two favorite parts of my job,” says Mirsada. “First, motivating participants and staff as they turn there lives around. Second, hitting our revenue goals.” Mirsada enjoys meeting co-workers from diverse backgrounds. “My peers here at the Goodwill are my extended family,” says Mirsada. “I love my job and I would never leave it.”

Retail Instructor Linda Oziel has played an important part in Mirsada’s growth. “She encouraged me to push myself when I was in doubt,” says Mirsada. Now, when stressful times come up in the Production area, Mirsada reminds herself, “We did it before, and we can do it again,” which helps her remain focused.

Looking to the future, Mirsada hopes to continue her growth at Goodwill. “I’m hungry to learn more,” she says. “I’m determined to show my son Andi (who is now 15 years old) that he must work to get what he wants, just as I have.”

“Mirsada constantly looks for ways to improve our processes and maximize the value of our donations,” says Clemence Casperian, Director of Retail Operations. “It’s amazing how much she has grown professionally from the time she started at Goodwill speaking no English to where she is today, managing about 70 people.”