19 Years and Counting: Jupiter Goodwill's Jeffrey McFadden Jr. Celebrated During Disability Employment Awareness Month

If you've shopped at the Jupiter Goodwill in the past two decades, there's a good chance you've been greeted by Jeffrey McFadden Jr. This October, McFadden is marking 19 years on the job, a milestone that comes during National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

McFadden is hard to miss at 6-foot-5, but co-workers say it's his attitude that stands out. "I like to smile at others, uplift people and make other people smile," he told WPTV.

McFadden came to the job through Goodwill's transition school, which helps people with disabilities prepare for work. His father called the 19 years a big achievement.

A champion off the clock, too

Outside work, McFadden is a Special Olympics athlete who plays center in basketball. He has won multiple gold medals and was named Athlete of the Year in 2013. He told WPTV that he has also given a Hall of Fame speech.

A workplace built on opportunity

Abra Joseph, Goodwill's director of donated goods, said McFadden's story reflects the organization's mission. "Sixty percent of our team members self-identify as having some type of barrier to employment," she said. She added that the goal is to create a workplace where every team member feels valued, respected and supported.

About the month

National Disability Employment Awareness Month is observed every October. It began in 1945 as a weeklong observance focused on people with physical disabilities, and Congress expanded it to a full month in 1988. Today it is led by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy.

Next time you stop by the Jupiter Goodwill, say congratulations.