The agency is conveniently located and easily accessible by public transportation. The hours of various programs begin at 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and end by 3:30.

The rehabilitation staff is educated and trained to work with people with special needs. Goodwill provides services to many people who want to develop a vocational goal, receive training, attend classes, develop a résumé and improve job seeking skills to get a job.

Services are designed around the needs and desires of each person served, and are responsive to their expectations. Each individual is involved in decision making and planning.

A referring agency representative will discuss the programs with you. There will be no cost to you. You may be scheduled for a tour and interview before starting.

Once you are referred for services, a start date is given to you, generally less than a month away. Programs are individualized to meet your needs.

Goodwill is accessible for people who need features such as a ramp and automatic doors. Reasonable accommodations will be made to meet your needs. The staff respects the differences in people and treats them with dignity.

You will be involved in planning your program by actively participating in developing your program plan. With your consent, your family and other involved individuals such as counselors, can participate in your program. Usually, the expected outcome for participants is getting and maintaining employment.

Your privacy is protected while at Goodwill. Information about you and your participation here is not given out without written consent from you.

1. Age 16 or above. Those under age 18 must have a work permit prior to the start date.
2. Expressed desire to participate in the program.
3. Medical report of any physical limitations or restrictions. This report must be current within one year. You must be free of medical conditions that may affect the health and well-being of others.
4. Behavior not known to be dangerous to self, others or property. Psychological reports must be as current as the last known hospitalization or treatment; general psychological reports must be within two years old.
5. Unemployed or underemployed.
6. Drug and alcohol free for a minimum of six months.
7. I.Q. of 50 or above.
8. Mobility skills necessary to move about the facility without assistance or with the aid of an assigned attendant. The individual must be able to care for their own hygiene and toilet functions independently or with an assigned attendant.
9. Third party sponsorship.

Meeting your expectations is very important to the staff, as is determining your preferences. There are many opportunites to express your level of satisfaction and make suggestions for change. This information is then used in planning for the future of the agency.

Goodwill is active in organizations advocating for people with disabilities and special needs, community organizations and workforce development groups. We are committed to meeting international standards of quality by conforming to CARF standards on an ongoing basis. Many staff members are licensed and credentialed in their area of expertise.

An evaluation plan is developed with you that identifies questions to be answered, and includes your input, the stated overall purpose of evaluation and methods to be used. Vocational evaluation allows you to learn about yourself and makes recommendations related to employment and community resources.

Sheltered employment services provide paid work within Goodwill to people with disabilities who are not capable of competitive employment, but whose production is adequate to meet the requirements for sheltered positions.

Goodwill operates the program under a certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage & Hour Division. This certificate permits that wages for employees having disabilities that impact work performance, are based on productivity and therefore may be at a lower rate then the prevailing wage.

Wage rates, work quality and quantity, and potential for community employment are evaluated semi-annually. Sheltered employment continues until the employee is capable of performing at competitive industry standards.

Skills training programs are offered in the areas of janitorial/maintenance and retail sales. Each course follows a curriculum that includes the planned length of the course, areas to be covered, materials used and requirements for completion. Both courses have an in-house and practicum component.

Job placement services are available to assist with finding a job in the area of training and to provide information about jobs in the local area.

Job placement services assist individuals seeking employment in choosing, obtaining and retaining employment in the community. The job placement specialist will become familiar with your skills and abilities in order to target jobs available from employers in the local labor market. Job search activities are individualized and involve your input and approval.

Once employment is found, the job placement department will assist you with making a transition to work. Follow-up includes contact with you and the employer to ensure adjustment and retention.

Goodwill protects and promotes the rights of persons served. The policy is reviewed during new staff member training and is in the client handbook. Client rights are communicated to the client at orientation and are on the orientation checklist. Client rights may be discussed throughout your program for clarification.