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Mission Services

Goodwill Participates in a Back to School Event

By community, Mission Services

In August, Goodwill proudly participated in the OFat’s AutoSpa Backpack and Back to School Event, where our dedicated Mission Services Team Members, Melody and Jess, provided valuable outreach and support. Collaborating with the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, essential school supplies, backpacks and more were provided to students, Goodwill offered support services to each participating parent. This event not only highlights our collaborative efforts with local business and organizations but also showcases the impact we can achieve together by helping to empower students and families in Northwest Ohio.


Great job Melody and Jess!

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!

TARTA Training at Goodwill

By community, Job Connection Center

During the month of July TARTA successfully completed training 20 incoming bus operators at the Sylvania Avenue Job Connection Center.  Having completed the classroom portion of their training, they are now prepared to move forward in obtaining their CDLs. By providing this space, Goodwill was instrumental in advancing these participants toward their career goals. Congrats Drivers!

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