Goodwill Sets New Records for People Served, People Placed, Career Center Visits in 2009

Plans to Open Prescott Career Center; Offer Individualized Job Training in 2010

Goodwill of Central Arizona continues to break records in our efforts to provide job training programs and employment services for disadvantaged youth and adults who need a “hand up” as our nation's economy continues to rebound.

In 2009, Goodwill of Central Arizona's Workforce Development team served 25,333 individuals and placed 6,721 people into jobs. Furthermore, our Career Centers registered 105,319 visits from individuals looking for assistance with job training and educational opportunities. A huge success for Goodwill and for our Central Arizona community in need.

Lisa Kizer, Vice President of Workforce Development, outlined several key reasons for her department’s astounding results in 2009.

“The sluggish economy forced record numbers of Arizonans to search for jobs,” Kizer stated. “Our 10 Career Centers which are conveniently located throughout the Valley and in Yuma made it easier for job seekers to rely on our staff members, services and programs for assistance.”

Kizer added, “The media coverage in 2009 about Goodwill did an excellent job of connecting our retail and workforce development initiatives. Arizonans seemed to be more informed about how their donations to Goodwill eventually help people find jobs.”

In 2009, the Workforce Development department also awarded more than $22,000 in scholarship funds to recipients for post-secondary education and received a three-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). The CARF accreditation is the highest level possible for programs and service providers and is a seal of approval for Goodwill’s services.

“We received more than 30 compliments from CARF regarding our organization’s training programs, leadership, safety and other aspects,” said Kizer.

In 2010, the Workforce Development department aims to build on its momentum by developing individualized training opportunities in targeted industries such as health care and opening a new career center in Prescott in late 2010.

In addition, the Workforce Development department will implement the Pathways Out of Poverty Grants program which will utilize $1.5 million in funds to serve about 200 people. This grant will provide high-growth green jobs training to individuals living in high poverty geographic areas via cohesive programs that integrate training and supportive services to help individuals find "pathways out of poverty" and move toward economic self-sufficiency. This grant continues to support and broad Goodwill’s mission to offer all individuals opportunity for personal independence.