2011 Annual Report

2010 Annual Report

2009 Annual Report

2008 Annual Report

Goodwill Industries of Akron Overview:

Retail Operations

Goodwill is probablay best known for its retail stores.  Items donated by the public are sold in its retail stores and the income generated is used to help fund job training and placement services.   Click Here for a list of stores and Attended Donation Centers.

Workforce Development

Vocational Services

• Vocational Evaluation and Pre-employment Testing ~ Identifying job interests, abilities and aptitudes as they relate to any job or work environment is extremely important. Pinpointing a specific career path, occupation or need for additional training is made possible by utilizing a variety of tests and assessments.  Goodwill is equipped to test in many areas including: Academic, Physical & Aptitudes.  Pre-Employment Testing and Evaluation Services help to determine the sill level and performance match to a variety of occupations.  Service packages can be tailored to meet the specific needs of any company, business or organization.
• Evaluations for Individuals with Visual Difficulties ~ The Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation System (CVES) enables Goodwill to predict vocational training potential and helps to determine a realistic vocational goal to assist in determining abilities in the areas of: Adaptive Behaviors, Emotional Coping, Sensory-Motor Factors, Verbal-Spatial-Cognitive Skills.
• Situational Assessments ~ The opportunity to experience different jobs will help determine the appropriate type of employment for any individual’s needs.  Goodwill is able to place an individual in a day-to-day work situation to get a feel for issues like punctuality and co-worker/supervisor interaction. These assessments can be performed at Goodwill’s retail stores, Contract Services and administrative offices, as well as at businesses and organizations in surrounding communities.
• Work Experience ~ Opportunities to provide vocational training in Contract Services and clerical training at Goodwill’s headquarters along with a variety of retail positions at Goodwill’s stores are available for program participants.  All Vocational Services participants earn a commensurate wage and work in and integrated setting along with employees.  Each participant is assigned a case manager and mentor.  The focus of the program is preparation for community employment.
• Work Adjustment ~ Helping individuals find their comfort zone in a variety of work environments helps make the transition into a new job easier.  Goodwill offers training and on-the-job experience, both internally and in partnership with local businesses and organizations, to adjust to work habits such as attendance, motivation and consistency.  After the adjustment period, a participant is evauated to identify need for additional support and/or the overall fit of the job for that individual. 
• Job Placement & Retention Services ~ Access to the appropriate tools when looking for employment is key.  Goodwill’s Vocational Services staff provides everything needed to prepare for, find and retain employment.  For example, resume preparation, assistance with applications and interviewing skills; maintains relationships with area employers that help lead to permanent positions for program participants; and follow up services to monitor an individual’s performance and to ensure retention.
• Job Coaching Services ~ Goodwill will provide coaching opportunities for individuals trained at a job site  to ensure the cuessess of long-term employment and minimize loss of prductivity to the employer.   Job shadowing services are sometimes offered to allow individuals to observe an actual job to be sure that it fits with their vocational goals.  Coaches also provide travel training designed to assit individuals in achieving their vocational goals through the appropriate and safe use of public transportation.

*Employment Resource Center

Looking for a new or better job? Goodwill’s Employment Resource Center (ERC) is the answer you’ve been searching for! Looking for a job can feel like a job. With help from the ERC it doesn’t have to. Adults whose skills range from entry-level to the highly technical are being matched and directed to employers in the region that are hiring qualified employees. If you need a new or better resume, some help brushing up on those interviewing skills, a little direction to find those companies that are hiring…ERC is the place.

With help from Employment Resource Center staff you will find resources like a Resource Room with aids for your search for meaningful employment. You may also get one-on-one assistance to direct your efforts and provide resources that you need to get on track. Take advantage of classes and workshops that will help you become an asset to any employer.

 All services are FREE, and include:

• Access to the Resource Room
• Classes to improve your job searching skills
• Job placement assistance
• Skill assessment
• Orientation to training programs and One-Stop Partner services

 To find out more call:

• Summit County:  330-633-1050
• Medina County: 330-723-9675 

Summit County Employment Resource Center Staff are located inside The Job Center located at 1040 E. Tallmadge Ave. in Akron.

*Funded in Summit County by the Summit County Department of Job and Family Services through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA).  The ERC provides a link to training, education and employment opportunities in one customer-friendly system. Services offered by the ERC are based on individual need, and have been developed with the client in mind. Some clients may be eligible for funded training through the Workforce Investment Act in order to gain skills necessary to become more marketable.

Elizabeth Clark Emergency Fund

The Elizabeth Clark Emergency Fund was established to be a general emergency fund and today is utilized in collaboration with other organizations to help address the emergency needs of individuals and families. This is a fund of last resort and is limited to assistance with obtaining clothing, furniture and household items at any of Goodwill Industries of Akron’s retail stores.

Contract Services Capabilities  

Goodwill Akron provides businesses locally with industrial services like:

• Packaging & Assembly
• Inspection
• De-Manufacturing
• Collating
• Kitting
• Re-Work
• Industrial Sewing
• Die-Cutting

 Competitive pricing • Reliable, high quality workmanship • On-time delivery 

Whether you need quick turnaround on a project, a more cost effective way of reducing your labor expenses, or simply an outlet to increase your production capacity, Goodwill’s Contract Services can help.

By using Goodwill for your needs, your business is helping to fund employment-related programs that help individuals in your community overcome barriers to competitive employment and self-sufficiency.

Goodwill Auto Outlet

Events:

Celebration of Champions ~ March 2012 ~ Goodwill recognized and honored its 2011 champions at its Annual Meeting.

Goodwill Industries Week ~ the agency hosted public open house events to provide “behind the scene tours” and had a LIVE performance by the Radio Disney Road Crew.

Employee of Distinction Nomination Form ~ coming soon. Save the date ~ Wednesday, September 5, 2012 @ Guy’s Party Centre

September is Workforce Services Month, and to celebrate, Goodwill helps honor stellar individuals who have been nominated by local employers at its Employee of Distinction Luncheon.  the event is an easy, cost-effective way to honor someone who makes a difference in their company and is an employee of distinction among their co-workers.

 Taste of Vintage Invitation ~ coming soon.  Save the Date ~ Thursday, November 15th, 2012

Taste of Vintage is Goodwill’s signature fundraiser.  The event focuses on the agency’s vintage clothing collection modeled by influential women from the community.  Also featured are a sampling of gourmet specialties from local restaurants and a live and silent auction.