Do you remember your first paycheck? Did you frame the first dollar you earned? Did that first paycheck enable you to buy some groceries or to make a car payment?
For those with barriers to employment, the pride (and the joy) of that first paycheck or a steady paycheck can be elusive. Goodwill’s mission is to help individuals prepare for, find and retain employment. It strives to fulfill that mission in many ways. Its Workforce Development areas (also known as Vocational Services and Employment Resource Centers) provide direct services to participants. Thanks to key funding sources, Goodwill offers a comprehensive menu of services including job readiness training, work habit adjustment, career counseling or job transition training depending upon the needs and goals of the individual participant. Its Retail Operations sell donated goods and its Contract Services render business services to produce revenue to fund Goodwill’s mission and to provide training or employment opportunities directly to participants.
For more than 80 years, Goodwill Industries serving Summit, Portage, Medina, Ashland and Richland County has steadfastly strengthened the region’s workforce. Many strides have been made thanks to the generous donations of goods and funds by the public and the dedication of its staff, directors, volunteers, funding sources and community partners. However, barriers still exist and Goodwill needs your help to overcome them. Thank you for visiting Goodwill electronically to learn about its mission and the power of work. I encourage you to become involved with Goodwill Industries in a way that fits for you – as a customer, a donor, a volunteer or a participant!
Nan McClenaghan, President & CEO