Goodwill Tips: Goodwill: Ability First program

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Goodwill: Ability First program

WORK MATTERS

At Goodwill Industries of Michiana, we understand many times the first step to finding a job is understanding your skills, interests, and abilities. We also understand matching employer needs with your unique skills is one way we can help bring the value of employment to you and your family.

Ability First services allow Goodwill staff to walk alongside individuals and employers as they address the unique challenges of employment for persons with cognitive or physical barriers by providing any needed job coaching, job training, advocacy or assistance with situations that may arise in the new position. The length of personal assistance is dependent upon the needs of both the individual and the employer.

To find out how Ability First can meet the employment needs of people with disabilities, contact your local Vocational Rehabilitation Services office.

Every 38 seconds of each business day

someone earns a job with Goodwill’s help.

Every eight seconds another person accesses

Goodwill opportunities to build their career

and strengthen their family.

You can be next!

Kathy Friend

Kathy is a nationally

known Wardrobe Stylist and Image Consultant and the President of the Style & Image Institute. She has styled looks for celebrities in Hollywood for Warner Brothers, amazing looks for red carpet events, for political campaigns, and most importantly...she has
upped the style-factor for moms, business owners and entrepreneurs.

She writes for several magazines and has appeared on numerous radio and television programs as a Fashion Expert. Through the Style & Image Institute, she trains and certifies others who want to be a personal stylist, wardrobe stylist, personal shopper and image consultant.

In her words: “I pride
myself as a "fashion therapist" and am convinced the right
pair of shoes CAN change your life.”

Debie Coble

Debie Coble is the President & CEO for Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc. She started with the organization in 1990 as a store manager. Later that year she started serving in the department that executes the mission of Goodwill.

In 1996 she became the Vice President of Workforce Development Services, and in November of 2013, she began serving as the President & CEO.

Debie has an undergraduate degree in business management from Anderson University and a Masters in Public and Environmental Affairs from Indiana University. She completed Goodwill Industries International’s Executive Training Program in 2007. She serves on the board of the Association for Fundraising Professionals, the St. Joseph County Re-Entry Task Force and the South Bend Violence Reduction Taskforce.

Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc.

VISION

We envision a community where all individuals with disabilities and disadvantages will have opportunities to enjoy the full benefits of competitive employment. To make this vision become reality, we will focus on being the leading provider of workforce development services in the communities we serve. The core of our programs and services will continue to empower each individual to be productive and independent based on his or her abilities.

MISSION

Our Mission is to strengthen communities by empowering individuals and families through education, training and job placement.

VALUES

Work - We believe in the inherent value of work; if there is work, there is hope. Work has a greater value than charity.

Respect - We treat all people with dignity and respect.

Stewardship - We honor our heritage by being socially, financially, and environmentally responsible.

Ethics - We commit to strive to meet the highest ethical standards.

Learning - We challenge each other to strive for excellence and to continually learn.

Innovation - We embrace continuous improvement, bold creativity and change.