Along with community partners, Goodwill of Northern Arizona says they are addressing the region’s economic and workforce development challenges.
With two recent grant awards totaling $11,000 from the Flagstaff Community Foundation, $65,000 from the Chase Philanthropy Foundation and $910,000 from Goodwill’s Mission and Job Creation Loan Services Inc., critical job creation investments have been made by these philanthropic organizations.
With their support along with the many other community partners Goodwill of NA has achieved the following goals:
- Doubled the number of teens enrolled in Goodwill’s First Jobs Summer Youth Employment Program from 6 to 12.
- Strengthen the Northern Arizona Education and Re-Entry Program designed to assist individuals secure employment following incarceration. This collaborative program includes support from the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Coconino County Probation, United States Probation and Coconino Community College.
- Expand The Job Connection program and services throughout Northern Arizona and help put more residents of our local communities to work.
Additionally, through support from donors who choose to give their gently used merchandise for resale at our Goodwill Stores and residents of local communities who ‘shop Goodwill’, more northern Arizonans are able to work. It is reportedly one of the reason Forbes recently named Goodwill 19th in their list of 25 of America’s Most Inspiring Companies. And for the second year in a row, Goodwill has been ranked by the NonProfit Times as the second largest organization in the publication’s 25th annual in-depth survey of the
country’s 100 largest charities.
MY GOODWILL STORY:
Tommy Spencer
I needed a job so I went to The Job Connection at Goodwill. After being laid off from my previous job and looking for work for nearly 4 months, I needed help.
With the help of Goodwill’s career specialists, I updated my resume, learned new computer skills through Goodwill’s computer classes and even applied for a job at Goodwill. I’m happy to say, I now have a job as a Greeter and Helper at Goodwill’s Donation Center. But, it’s only just the beginning of a new chapter in my life.
Not only have I been able to learn more skills and job searching techniques that are best suited for today’s job market, I’ve also become aware of new areas of interest and future career opportunities. In partnership with the Arizona Apartment Management Association, CCC and the Coconino County Career Center, Goodwill will soon be offering an Apartment Maintenance Certification Program. I plan to participate. I know that with hard work, dedication and support from the wonderful people at Goodwill’s Job Connection, the New Year holds great promise with new career opportunities that will help me succeed.