For Irving, perseverance isn’t just a mindset—it’s a way of life.
As a custodian at one of our contract sites, his work ethic has made a lasting impact, but his journey to Palmetto Goodwill Services was anything but easy.
Born in Charleston, Irving’s life changed at 16 when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Complications led to kidney failure, vision loss, a transplant, and an amputation. But despite these challenges, Irving never let his circumstances define him. His determination to be independent and provide for his daughters never faded.
After struggling to find stable employment, Irving connected with South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation, which introduced him to Palmetto Goodwill, where he was connected to sustainable employment as a custodian.
“Many people assume that being visually impaired limits what you can do, but with the right tools and guidance, we can do anything anyone else can,” Irving explains.
Irving is a founding member of The Blind Titans, a nonprofit raising awareness for disabilities. He has also spoken at Source America’s Grassroots Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C., where he shared his story to inspire others facing adversity.
“I want my daughters to see that obstacles don’t define you,” Irving says. “If I can keep going, they’ll know they can too.”
Irving’s story showcases the power of perseverance. Through Palmetto Goodwill’s AbilityOne Program, he found stable employment, proving that with the right support, there are no limits to what individuals with disabilities can achieve.
Read our Annual Report to learn how programs like AbilityOne are creating opportunities for individuals like Irving—and watch his video below to hear his inspiring journey.
