LITTLE ROCK — With the state of the current economy, an overwhelming number of Arkansans need help preparing for and finding work to sustain themselves and their families. Goodwill’s Bryant Job Center, located inside the Goodwill Store at 5914 Hwy 5N, provides[more] a supportive environment to assist job seekers in reaching their employment goals.
Goodwill’s Job Center offers in-depth job search and career management assistance to local residents – all free of charge — including resume-writing assistance, skills assessments, career counseling, access to computers and high-speed internet, and placement services. In addition, online classes are offered covering everything from reading and mathematics to office technology in an effort to help individuals learn new skills or expand their current skill set.
Jackie Mosier, job placement specialist for the Bryant job center, observes, “Our customers are happy to have access to the resources that this center brings to the community and are surprised when they learn what all we offer to help them search for a job.”
Individuals interested in accessing the resources provided at the Goodwill Job Center are first asked to attend one of the weekly orientations held every Wednesday from 9:30-11 a.m. in the same location. At orientation, individuals learn what resources are available, develop a plan based on individual needs and set future meetings. The career specialist is available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and by appointment.
“Anyone interested in getting assistance should first attend the orientation held on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.,” Mosier states. “That’s where clients will learn what free services are available and it gives us a chance to develop an individual plan based on each person’s needs.”
In addition to the placement specialist, Goodwill offers free public access to computers and internet access Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sundays 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The computers are made available for members of the community to conduct job searches or computer training once their individual plan is determined. The store is also a w-fi hot spot, which will allow anyone to access the internet with their own device, and is available the same hours.
“Goodwill’s relevance to Arkansans is as strong today as it was in our founding year of 1927,” says Brian Itzkowitz, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Arkansas. “Through our work skills training programs, job placement services, and offering quality merchandise at affordable prices, Goodwill is a vital part of the community.”
In fiscal year 2010, Goodwill assisted 1,385 people at its job centers located throughout the state, resulting in 330 job placements. Today, Goodwill Industries of Arkansas operates three job centers with four more centers planned for the first quarter of 2011.
Goodwill job centers are funded through the sale of Goodwill stores’ donated items. For more information about employment services available at the Bryant Goodwill Job Center, call (501)847-6660
About Goodwill Industries of Arkansas:
Goodwill Industries of Arkansas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the mission of providing education, training, and employment services for people with disabilities and other special needs. Revenue generated through the sale of reusable donated goods at Goodwill retail stores is used to fund these critical programs for Arkansans. Information may also be found at www.goodwillar.org.
Richard
Great post.