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Goodwill News

Goodwill Industries and Cardinal Stritch Collaborate for Students

By community, Goodwill News, Mission Services, Success Stories

Goodwill and Cardinal Stritch High School teamed up to offer students the opportunity to earn an associate degree at Lourdes University.  Students attend classes at Lourdes each Tuesday and Thursday morning. Goodwill’s Good Rides Program provides transportation to and from school for the students. 

This initiative not only highlights the importance of education but also emphasizes community engagement and partnerships that uplift our youth. Goodwill is particularly proud to be a part of the wonderful program, which ensures they have reliable transportation to and from school. By breaking down barriers to education, Goodwill reaffirms its commitment to fostering opportunities that lead to meaningful employment and personal growth.

Mission Moment: Meet Lagarius

By community, Goodwill News, Mission Services, Workforce Development

Lagarius comes to Goodwill through the Youth and Young Adult Program (YYA). Lagarius is a high school junior and was extremely interested in a welding career. Goodwill helped connect him to a condensed welding workshop in which he was able to take an accelerated course and get firsthand knowledge about the field and what to expect going further. He has completed the course and is working with program staff to advance. Goodwill cannot wait to see Lagarius fulfill his dream of becoming a welder!

Mission Moment: Meet Jazmyne

By community, Goodwill News, Mission Services, Success Stories, Workforce Development

Starting a new job can be daunting, and dishwashing was not necessarily Jazmyne’s first pick. However, at Frisch’s Big Boy, she saw it as more than just cleaning dishes. She discovered it is a vital first step, ensuring a smooth operation and happy customers. The real benefit? The chance to learn and grow within the Frisch’s Big Boy family. Though nervous on her first day, Jazmyne’s positive attitude and quick learning made her a natural. We are excited to see where her journey takes her at Frisch’s Big Boy!

Mission Moment: Meet Zavion

By community, Goodwill News, Mission Services, Success Stories, Workforce Development

Zavion was referred to Goodwill by OOD for job placement services.  Zavion started working at Arby’s in May performing routine maintenance duties around the business. He did so well that his manager insisted he try a position in the kitchen. Zavion was excited to learn something new and started learning the fryer station. He immediately picked up the responsibilities and excelled during his first lunch rush never falling behind. Zavion’s manager was thrilled and kept praising him continuously because they were short-handed. Zavion is glad he took the opportunity and is excited to learn the other stations. Way to go Zavion!

Owens Community College Expands Partnership with Goodwill Industries of NW Ohio to Better Serve Workforce Needs

By Goodwill News, Job Connection Center, Mission Services, News For You, press release, Workforce Development

6/7/2024

Owens and Goodwill are partnering to provide enhanced training options for people seeking to improve their workforce training opportunities. 

Through a new, customized virtual platform, individuals working with Goodwill will have access to learning experiences at Owens that connect directly to job success. The training courses are possible thanks to both organizations’ premium partner status with ed2go, a national network of online courses taught by experts from a variety of fields.

Goodwill navigators will work directly with community members to find learning experiences tailored to their individual goals. Courses range from employability through customer service, conversational Spanish, business writing and leadership skills, to specific occupational preparation like interior designer, sign language interpreter and maintenance technician. New courses are added regularly.

In order to meet the needs of busy adults juggling family and job responsibilities courses are available entirely online, self-paced and available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. As Goodwill navigators and individuals arrive at specific educational goals, Owens will enroll them and support their journey to completion. 

“Owens is excited to work with Goodwill and expand access to education that benefits the local workforce and area employers,” said Charlene Page, executive director of Workforce and Economic Development at Owens. “The need for a highly-skilled workforce is clear to everyone. We are always looking to improve higher education access for adult learners and help them acquire the skills they need.”

Owens and Goodwill have a history collaborating with a focus on workforce development.

“The opportunity to lift up members of our community by working closely with Owens is a natural fit for Goodwill’s Job Connection Centers, where we believe in the power of work,” said David Takats, Chief Mission Officer at Goodwill. “Work helps to eliminate barriers and provides opportunities to improve peoples’ lives.”

For more information the ed2go classes, visit www.owens.edu/goodwill.

Contact:

Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio, Inc. 

David Takats

Chief Mission Officer  (419)-255-0070

dtakats@goodwillnwohio.org

Mission Moment: Meet Kevin

By community, Goodwill News, Mission Services, Reentry Program, Success Stories, Workforce Development

Meet Kevin

Kevin came to Goodwill on a referral from the Ohio Link Halfway House. After meeting with our reentry team, it was clear that Kevin was interested in becoming an electrician.  With Goodwill’s guidance, Kevin is currently enrolled in the apprenticeship program and is working part-time in the field, learning more about becoming an electrician.  Goodwill is excited to see Kevin blossom in this new chapter of his life.  Well done Kevin!

The wait is over! New Perrysburg Goodwill is Opening Saturday, June 1st!

By community, Goodwill News, press release, Retail Stores

Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio Opens New Store in Perrysburg, Ohio Goodwill Opens 14th Store Location in Northwest Ohio

Toledo, Ohio – May 31, 2024 – Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio will open the doors to its highly anticipated store, in Perrysburg, Ohio on June 1st at 10:00 am! Located at 10027 Fremont Pike (former Bed, Bath, & Beyond), this store boosts over 22,000 square feet!

“Goodwill has had donation stations throughout Perrysburg for nearly 20 years. We have tried for just as long to find a store location. Now, on June 1st our organization’s dream of having a Perrysburg store will become a reality”, said Amy Wachob, President/CEO.

“This store is like none other of our store locations throughout the region. The modernized, visual presentation will leave shoppers dazzled! The store features a concept store within the traditional Goodwill store, The Corner. This media shopping experience will feature upcycled artwork, vinyl records, books, DVD’s, CD’s, and so much more. Shoppers will be able to check out the graphic mural from local artist Chilly Rodriguez,” said Tim Kralovic, VP, Retail Operations. The donor experience offers an easy, convenient, and quick drive-thru.

The mission of Goodwill takes front and center as when you enter the new store, you are met with a Mission Outreach Corner. Shoppers will be able to learn about the various workforce development programs offered by Goodwill. When you shop at and donate to Goodwill you are helping those in our area who need Goodwill’s mission programs of assisting people link to job opportunities.

Throughout 2023, Goodwill served over 9,000 individuals with job readiness and workforce development programs. To learn more about the positive impact Goodwill has made in Northwest Ohio communities as well as location information, visit www.goodwillnwohio.com.