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!
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!
Michael came to Goodwill through the VOA halfway house. Michael needed help with employment, work clothes and transportation. Goodwill’s reentry team helped Michael with a position in maintenance at the Holiday Inn Express and he is on his way to a successful new beginning. Goodwill is extremely proud of Michael and his resolve!
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!
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
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!
Goodwill has recently unveiled a new service aimed at helping job seekers in their search for employment. The service, called Resumes-on-Demand, will be available through Goodwill’s Job Connection Centers. When the Job Connection Center Navigators are out in the community they will be able to assist job seekers in creating their resumes, printing them, and providing digital copies. This service is designed to make the job search process easier and more efficient for job seekers, ultimately helping them to find meaningful employment. Goodwill’s Resumes-on-Demand service is just one of the many ways we are committed to helping individuals eliminate barriers in their quest for a better future.
Being retired for over 30 years, the last thing Roberta thought she would be doing was to become a participant with Goodwill’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). Roberta learned about the program when she attended a presentation at her housing facility. Roberta entered the program and was placed into a position at the Great Lakes Community Action Program, where she became a passenger care attendant. She then was promoted to the Resident Services Coordinator. She has dramatically improved her computer skills, become proficient with general office work, and helps develop programs for residents. Staff and residents alike are extremely fond of Roberta and she enjoys her job. Great work Roberta, Goodwill is extremely proud of you!
Terry came to Goodwill from Toledo V.O.A. and successfully entered the Goodwill Industries of NW Ohio, Inc. transitional reentry program. In addition to his reentry barrier, Terry suffered from medical complications as a result of his stroke. Goodwill assisted Terry with wrap-around services, job development and job placement services. Terry has made a full recovery and is now working full time. Terry stated, “I wouldn’t have been able to get here without the help of Goodwill”. Congratulations Terry!
For more information on how Goodwill’s Reentry Team and other programs can help you: https://bit.ly/_MissionServices
Goodwill Defiance JCC Navigator Amy Bach collaborated with the Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission (NOCAC) Getting Ahead Program to help women in the Defiance area overcome life barriers and gain independence. Getting Ahead students participated in classes that consisted of learning how to handle relationships, the adult, parent, and child voice. Amy assisted the participants with setting goals, career exploration and resume development. Amy was honored to speak at the graduation ceremony on behalf of all six participants on December 12. Congratulations to these remarkable women and Goodwill looks forward to seeing the amazing things you will accomplish!
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