Goodwill Industries of Central Iowa is dedicated to promoting employment opportunities to people with barriers to employment. Through our training and job placement programs, we help our clients and their families live more independently while allowing them to make positive contributions to their communities. It is important to remember that Goodwill clients don't choose their specific situations. Our mission of empowering individuals and families with barriers to independence through training, education and employment gives clients the opportunity to change their lives for the better. It is important to keep in mind that we only open the doors to better opportunity. With courage and determination, our clients consistently pass through those doors to success. Below is a brief overview of the programs that make that happen:

Supported Employment Program
The Supported Employment Program offers job development, placement and follow-up services for clients who wish to work in the community. It is a program that helps clients find and keep a suitable job. In this program clients are also taught job seeking skills such as interviewing and resume writing. Once a new job is found, the client receives on-the-job support from a Goodwill job coach. The employer can receive assistance from a job coach also.

Work Development Program
The Work Development Program takes place in our work center. This program offers the opportunity to "earn and learn". Clients are paid a wage while training in this program. Their learning occurs by working on manufacturing contracts or within skills training programs. In this program clients receive ongoing training and counseling to help them achieve independence and reach performance goals. Clients are evaluated on their skills and attitudes. The goal of the Work Development Program is to help individuals understand the meaning and value of work so that they may develop personal characteristics that enable them to realize their potential. The other primary goal is to allow the individual to move on to a more independent work environment.

Work Experience Program
Our Work Experience Program offers assessment and work habit training to individuals with barriers to employment. This includes people who are chronically unemployed, under-employed, recovering substance abusers, homeless, or who lack education degrees.

Day Services
Day Services provides clients with a structured day designed to develop, maintain, increase or maximize independence in areas of self-care, physical and emotional growth, socialization, communication, education and work skills. Participation in Day Services allow for reintroduction into the community, the opportunity to meet and interact with peers, and the chance to work through personal difficulties. Community integration is emphasized.

Case Management
Case Management is a service provided to individuals with a disability who are eligible for Medicaid. Case management is an individually focused process through which clients are assisted in identifying, securing, and sustaining resources necessary to live as independently as possible.