program-a-services

Goodwill Industries helps people train for, find, and keep good jobs — providing hope, pride, and selfsufficiency to people with disabilities and other barriers to employment.

Goodwill offers a broad range of workforce development programs and services to fulfill a diverse set of community needs. Services vary depending on individuals’ wants, needs, and situation.

Some people find their way to Goodwill because of limited skills or work history, some have physical or developmental disabilities, while others are referred through welfare or community correction systems. Goodwill helps people earn a paycheck while they are preparing for permanent jobs by placing them in temporary jobs or in jobs at Goodwill. Goodwill also works in collaboration with other businesses and community organizations to create opportunities and assistance for people who need help finding a job.

Workforce Development Programs & Services:

(click program name for more information)

 



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Career Development

Goodwill’s career development services provide the information and support needed for an individual to develop, plan for, and acquire career goals. Goodwill career counselors are available to assist participants in assessment of their skills and interest, and lead them through the career exploration process to create a structured plan with specific career objectives.

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Community Corrections Employability Skills Program

This program transitions ex-offenders, referred by the Muskegon County Office of Community Corrections Department, back into the workplace through assessment, training, and job search assistance.

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Computer Training

Goodwill’s Computer Center offers general computer skills training, Internet skills, software applications, and adult education programs. Supporting the learning needs of persons who are unemployed and have limited technical skills, as well as those who are employed and need to upgrade their skills, the Computer Center serves persons at all skill levels. Assistive technology is available for persons with disabilities.

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Employability Assessment Program

The purpose of this program is to determine a person’s job readiness. The focus is on assessment, not training. Serving persons with disabilities, program participants are referred by Community Mental Health Services of Muskegon County. The program was developed to provide assistance to the Michigan Department of Career Development in determining when a participant is fully ready and capable of community-based employment.

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Employment Support Services

A variety of employment services are offered to anyone visiting Goodwill’s Workforce Development Center. They include: résumé writing and composition assistance, access to computer stations for composing and printing cover letters, Internet job search and posting, access to newspaper job listings, use of phone or fax for the purpose of securing a job, and meeting rooms for interviews or meetings with prospective employers.

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GoodTemps

GoodTemps is a temporary staffing agency offering people who may have a limited employment history the opportunity to gain valuable work experience. Temporary assignments often lead to permanent hire. GoodTemps is also a good fit for workers who simply need a flexible schedule or desire a supplemental income.

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Janitorial Training Program

Goodwill offers a comprehensive, six-week instructional program for job preparation in the janitorial field. The program includes 100 hours of classroom, computer, video, and hands-on training, with 80 hours of supervised paid practicum experience. Also includes health and safety training, and job readiness skills. Successful graduates earn a Goodwill certificate of endorsement and job placement assistance.

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Jobs, Education, and Training (JET)

Formerly called “Work First,” this curriculum-based program sponsored by Michigan Works! provides career counseling, employability skills, job search assistance, and a supportive environment to individuals who are transitioning from welfare to work. Program participants are referred by the Michigan Department of Human Services.

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Key Train®

Key Train is an interactive, easy-to-use, self-paced training system for improving workplace skills measured by the WorkKeys assessment system. (See WorkKeys entry.) Participants can assess their potential score, review topics in each skill area, and practice problems similar to those on the WorkKeys assessment.

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Michigan Prison Re-Entry Initiative (MPRI)

MPRI is a statewide strategic approach to creating safer neighborhoods and better citizens through the delivery of a seamless plan of services, programming, support, and supervision for prisoners re-entering the community. Program participants are referred by the Michigan Department of Corrections Parole Board.

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RECONNECT

This program is a computer recycling/re-use initiative in collaboration with Dell that provides job opportunities for participants enrolled in various Goodwill workforce development programs. Unwanted computers are accepted at any Goodwill store across the state. Computers are broken down and their components are recycled responsibly. Newer computer are refurbished and resold with the proceeds funneling back into workers’ wages.

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Return-to-Work Program

This program facilitates the return of injured workers to the workforce as soon as it is medically appropriate. Goodwill assists employees who have sustained an injury or illness by providing temporary, alternate, or light-duty work. Gradual increases in length or difficulty of the work builds strength and tolerance levels until the worker can return to his/her regular employment.

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Supported Employment Program

Targeted primarily toward people with developmental disabilities or mental illness, this model of service provides one-on-one training and ongoing support for successful transition to community-based employment. The program combines community job development, job coaching, and long-term follow-up to maximize employment potential.

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Transitional Housing and Employment Services Program

Focusing on helping homeless families make a successful transition into steady employment and stable housing, this program extends beyond traditional short-term emergency shelter. In addition to housing, program participants receive employability skills training, job search and placement assistance, financial literacy training, and other supports as needed in order to achieve self-sufficiency. Collaborative partner, Community enCompass refers program participants and maintains the Goodwill homes.

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Vocational Evaluation

Goodwill provides in-depth, comprehensive diagnostic assessment and evaluation encompassing: physical capabilities, vocational interests, aptitude testing, knowledge of occupational information, academic skills, verbal/cognitive skills, work skills and work tolerance, general work habits and characteristics, and vocational options and objectives.

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Work Activity / Skill Building Program

This program is available as a service option for persons with developmental disabilities who need long-term, facility-based training and employment, or who choose not to seek community-based employment. Participants are referred from Community Mental Health Services of Muskegon County, MAISD, local school districts, and other referral sources.

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Work Adjustment Program

Serving persons with little or no work experience — or those who have been out of work for an extended period of time — the intent of this program is to help individuals understand the meaning, value, and demands of work, or to re-establish skills, attitudes, and work behaviors.

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Workforce Investment Act (WIA)

Sponsored by Michigan Works!, this federal program offers assessment, job placement assistance, career counseling, and other supports to promote employment, job retention, and occupational skills training for youths, adults, and dislocated workers.

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WorkKeys®

WorkKeys is a nationally standardized job-skills assessment testing system measuring “real world” skills critical to job success. The WorkKeys system is centered on three major components: reading for information, applied mathematics, and locating information. Individuals who test favorably qualify for a National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC).

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Work Readiness Program

Work Readiness is designed to provide psychosocial / vocational rehabilitation for persons with mental illness. This training focuses on maintaining psychiatric stability through the therapeutic power of work. Job seeking and maintenance, money management, self care, use of leisure time, stress management, and improving health care skills are all covered. Clients are referred and supported by Community Mental Health Services of Muskegon County.