CONTACT: Dorothy H. Viets
Director of Community Relations
(203) 581-5319 or (203) 650-5723 (cell)
ONE HUNDRED TEENS CURRENTLY PARTICIPATING IN WORK READINESS PROGRAM
AT GOODWILL INDUSTRIES
Over a two-week period beginning July 6, 2009, one hundred low income teens facing barriers to employment are learning work readiness skills at Goodwill Industries of Western Connecticut through an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Project. The 15-hour program is being funded by the WorkPlace, Inc. which is partnering with several community based organizations to serve 900 youths this summer.
The Goodwill program is designed to prepare the students, ages 18 to 19, to compete in today’s employment climate. The instruction covers world of work awareness and how to look for, obtain and keep a job, as well as daily living skills such as managing money and handling stress. The program includes large group and individual instruction, small break out discussion groups, computerized programs and practice in filling out job applications, writing resumes and interviewing.
Upon completing the program, the students will be placed in summer jobs at community sites secured by the WorkPlace, Inc. In the fall, they will be eligible for job skills training in specific occupations. Some may return to Goodwill for training in customer service at a Goodwill store.
Goodwill Industries of Western Connecticut is a non-profit organization that provides employment and support services to people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. Through programs that offer people the opportunity to develop the life-changing skills they need to obtain and keep a job, Goodwill helps people gain hope, dignity and financial independence.
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