Category

Mission Services

January 2026: Goodwill Job Connection Center Calendars

By community, Job Connection Center, Mission Services, Workforce Development

🎉 Start 2026 Strong! 🎉

The January Job Connection Center Event Calendars are here! Packed with opportunities to develop new skills, overcome barriers, and advance in the workplace.

✅ Make January the month you invest in YOU!

💡 Stop by one of our Community Days happening throughout the month and discover what Goodwill can offer to help you reach your goals.

👉 Your next career move starts now—don’t miss out! The Job Connection Centers (JCC’s) are open to the public and there is no charge for any service.

To find out more about the different programs and services that Goodwill offers; https://bit.ly/_MissionServices

Toledo JCC, 1120 Madison Ave. 8am-4:30pm

DeVeaux Village JCC, 2600 W. Sylvania Ave. See Calendar for dates & times

Defiance JCC, 1005 N. Clinton St. 10am-4:30pm

Program Beautifies Toledo & Empowers Youth

By community, Goodwill News, Mission Services, Workforce Development

Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio, the City of Toledo, and Mr. Snow Removal and Lawncare launched an intergenerational initiative to reduce neighborhood blight and prevent youth violence. Seniors and residents with disabilities in Junction, Englewood, and LaGrange/North End receive free lawn care, while youth ages 14–24 gain paid job training and life skills through the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE). The participants also are receiving job coaching and career development support through Goodwill, and will receive training in Rewire CBT through MONSE. Together, we’re building safer, stronger communities—one lawn at a time.

Learn more about the programs that Goodwill offers: https://www.goodwillnwohio.com/mission-services/

Strengthening the Mission Services Team

By community, Mission Services, Workforce Development

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Goodwill organizations offer a range of support services to individuals with disabilities, including occupational skills training, job readiness assistance, soft skills development and rehabilitation programs to aid in physical recovery.

Goodwill’s Community Employment Services Co-Managers, Cason Welly and Yusuf Gardner, facilitated a refresher training for the Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) team to reinforce best practices and ensure staff are equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to deliver the highest quality services. Their commitment to continuous professional development is strengthening the team and enhancing service delivery.

Mission Moment – Meet Joseph

By community, Mission Services, Reentry Program, Success Stories

Joseph came to Goodwill from Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities Joseph is originally from Michigan and had work history, but he also went through some hard times and ended up serving time in prison. Joseph used that time wisely and took advantage of programs that taught him valuable lessons. When he moved to Toledo he needed to find employment. Joseph faced some health setbacks when he first came to Goodwill, but he didn’t let that stop him, and now he has the job he always wanted at Advance Healthcare Center. Congratulations Joseph!

Goodwill Ind. of NW Ohio Foundation is Launched

By community, Goodwill News, Mission Services, press release, Reentry Program

The Goodwill Ind. of NW Ohio Foundation adds funding for specific programs for individuals throughout NW Ohio. The main programs that the Foundation helps fund are:

Youth and Young Adult for ages 14-24

Individuals that are aging out of foster care

The Benefits Bridge Program

Goodwill’s Reentry Program

To read more about what these programs are and how very important they are to NW Ohio, follow this link to the Blade’s article: https://bit.ly/3XOHb6R

To see how you can donate monetarily to The Foundation, please visit this page on our website; https://bit.ly/44eEzmx

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!