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!

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What Does Goodwill Really Do?

GOODWILL – MORE THAN A STORE

Goodwill’s Mission is to strengthen communities by empowering individuals and families through Education, Training and Job Placement.  That is why Goodwill exists in our community.  That is why there are Retail Stores…the stores not only fund these programs, but also provide jobs.

WORK MATTERS!

Often the first step to finding a job is understanding your skills, interests, and abilities. That's what the Goodwill Career Centers can help you with.  Once you have an understanding of your strengths, you can begin thinking about the career track that’s best for you. We have specialists who work with you to understand your prior experience as well as your job and career goals.

You can meet face-to-face at a Goodwill near you or visit our virtual community online. Together we’ll design a strategy to bring your plans to life, while connecting you with other community resources, like housing, reliable transportation, and childcare.

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!

There are several programs to help you take your first step to a career. Community Career Centers bring services to both individuals and businesses. We host Job Fairs and Hiring Events for employers and assist individuals in the job search process. Resume writing, interview preparation, and development workshops are just a few of the free services that are made available to the community.

Goodwill Works opens a pathway to our complete employee development courses and work experience. This service is open to anyone seeking personal development when entering the workforce. Whether an individual has a gap in employment, little or no experience, or is seeking to learn new skills, this program can be beneficial.

To join the program, an individual can be referred by a Community Career Center Manager.

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.  This is accomplished 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.

2nd Chance @ Work provides a fresh start for those who have been incarcerated. We believe that anyone who wants to go to work deserves a chance, and we understand the challenges people face when they are looking for employment.  Whether an individual has been incarcerated, is under employed or has been out of work for some time, we are here to assist. With this in mind we offer focused services for men, women and young adults who are committed to getting their lives back on track.

For more information, call Goodwill at 574-472-7300 or obtain a referral through your probation or parole officer.

*Currently available in Elkhart, Lake, LaPorte, and St. Joseph Counties.

 

Out of School Youth is provided through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). For youth ages 16-24, the program provides services beginning with career exploration and guidance.  It offers continued support for educational attainment, opportunities for skills training in in-demand industries and occupations; and the program culminates with a good job along a career pathway.

For more information, call WorkOne at 219-344-1013.

*Currently available in Lake, LaPorte, and Portage Counties

Nurse Family Partnership pairs first-time parents with caring maternity and child health nurses who deliver the support moms need to have a healthy pregnancy. A Goodwill Case Manager insures child medical care until age 2, and case management for parents until age 5. Mothers also receive assistance with finding good jobs so they can support their children.

For more information, call 219-444-2000 or visit https://www.nursefamilypartnership.org/.

*Currently available in Lake County.

Goodwill Success Story - Scott found employment with Lowe's!

We would like to introduce you to Scott.
He is another one of our many Goodwill Success Stories. 

Scott came to the Goodwill Community Career Center for a job fair in October, 2014. Initially, Scott used the Career Center’s computer lab to search for jobs online. He was struggling to get an interview, and asked the career counselor for help. After some edits and suggestions on format, Scott’s resume was ready to be passed along to potential employers.

Scott attended the Job Club at the Mishawaka Career Center. This group helps, encourages and supports those who are in the process of a job search. Joining this group allows participants to build confidence talking about their skills, wants and needs in a career.

In February of 2015, Scott attended a job fair and was able to get an interview with Lowe’s. He was well prepared for the interview. He spent time practicing interview questions with his career coach and attended workshops that helped him understand proper attire, etiquette and protocol. Scott’s hard work and dedication to finding employment paid off. He was offered a job at Lowe’s.

Today, Scott continues to build his skills and hopes his position as a seasonal-employee becomes permanent. He is living proof that dedication and hard work will pay off. He overcame insecurity and stepped outside of his comfort zone in order to achieve his goals. WAY TO GO SCOTT! We are all so proud of what you have accomplished!