Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries has recently signed a $25,000 grant agreement with the City of Youngstown’s Community Development Agency Block Grant Project to provide services to low income city residents. The agreement, which began on July 1, 2009 and runs through June 30, 2010 is for a vocational services project. This is the first grant that Goodwill’s vocational department has ever received from the City of Youngstown’s Community Development Agency.

The services begin with community outreach to individuals with low to moderate income levels or no income. The program includes an intake interview and a medical exam by the staff nurse and a physician from Forum Health. The vocational program includes a seven day vocational assessment to determine vocational interests, strengths, aptitudes and work history; as well as identifying vocational and community goals.

The second phase is a seven week work adjustment period in which on-the-job training and work experience are provided. Classes in world of work and job seeking skills as well as individualized classes such as budgeting, drivers permit, customer service, computer, etc. are part of work adjustment.

The final weeks of work adjustment may be at a community employer as a transition to job placement. The job placement program includes job club (where job leads are exchanged and employment topics are discussed), job site development, actual job placement and follow-up.

There are strict program requirements, objectives and monitoring of program performance and financial management. The first individuals to begin the program are from a women’s shelter and homeless shelter —both wanting to re-enter the workforce — but needing assistance with identifying the right employment setting, improving work skills, developing self confidence, developing a resume and securing a job.