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Workforce Development

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 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!

Goodwill now offers Resumes-on-Demand!

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

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.

Mission Moment: Meet Roberta

By community, Mission Services, Success Stories, Workforce Development

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!