Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania

Want to learn how to code but don’t know where to start? Goodwill’s FREE beginner-friendly 4-part webinar series is here to help! Learn the basics of the Python programming language, such as loops, variables, functions, and more. No experience is required! Sign up today at https://lnkd.in/eAkHV_Wq #GoodwillSWPA #GoodwillTechAcademy

52 Weeks of Goodwill, Week 13: We have three stories to share from our Supported Employment program! Holly (pictured) came to Goodwill through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) seeking help finding a job. With Goodwill supporting her through the job search and interview process, Holly landed a job as a USPS delivery driver. Now that she has a secure job, she plans to stay and build her career there. When asked about her experience, Holly says, "Krystle (Goodwill team member) has been a big help to me every step of the way. I had a lot of anxiety looking for a job, but she made me feel comfortable and talked things out." Derrek joined Goodwill's Supported Employment program last August after needing assistance finding a job. Working with our team, he secured a part-time job as a warehouse loader. Shortly after, he found another full-time, higher-paying position! Derrek says, "I would refer my employment specialist to anyone because she listened to what I wanted and helped me find a great job." Prior to coming to Goodwill, Jamie struggled with addiction and unemployment and was unable to find a stable home. Once she entered a halfway house and was connected to Goodwill's services, Jamie was determined to make a positive change. She joined more community resources and secured employment at the halfway house, now supporting women the same way she was supported. Jamie's excited about this new opportunity, saying "I get to watch these women get excited as they get a job and embark on their new path. I watch them learn to practice gratitude and acceptance. I get to give back what was so freely given to me." Learn more about Goodwill's Supported Employment program here: https://lnkd.in/gMSxTGqQ #GoodwillSWPA

Your next opportunity is waiting for you! Goodwill’s FREE career webinars will help you build a winning resume, ace your interviews, land the job you want, and more. Learn more and sign up at https://lnkd.in/eSuNP8PR #GoodwillSWPA

Stay sharp with Goodwill’s FREE digital skills webinars! Master Microsoft, Google, and more to stay ahead. Don’t wait – register now at https://lnkd.in/edPT4tsr #GoodwillSWPA #GoodwillTechAcademy

Ready to take the next step in your career? Join Goodwill on Wednesday, April 23rd, for a career fair with top Pittsburgh region employers! The fair will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Goodwill’s Workforce Development Center, located at 118 52nd St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201 (free parking). Don’t miss out on finding your next job! Register today at https://lnkd.in/e2ZJ-44q #GoodwillSWPA

52 Weeks of Goodwill, Week 11: The Goodwill Tech Academy team recently joined Lawrenceville United in visiting senior residents at York Commons and W. Abel Place! They provided digital navigation services to the residents, including information on affordable internet access, digital skills classes, and filling out intake forms to receive a free desktop computer through Computer Reach's Computer Giveaways program. While assisting with intake, the residents shared amazing stories of their lives and experiences. We were happily surprised to learn that many of them already attended our Computer Basics course! The digital divide continues to be an issue for many, especially seniors. Many older adults face barriers when accessing technology and navigating the Internet. This inequality in the digital world prevents them from accessing essential services such as telehealth, staying in contact with loved ones through methods beyond just phone calls, and using apps that can make their everyday lives easier, such as grocery delivery services. At Goodwill SWPA, we work hard to bridge the gap and provide digital navigation to seniors so they can confidently embrace technology and use it to enhance their independence and well-being. Thanks to Goodwill's partnership with the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania Digital Navigator Network, we're able to share more digital services with our community. Learn more about the Goodwill Tech Academy here: https://lnkd.in/e5zN7cXH #GoodwillSWPA

Prepare for Goodwill’s upcoming career fair on April 23rd by attending our FREE Career Fair Success webinars! In this one hour course, you’ll learn tips and tricks to make your next career fair experience a success. Attend online or in person at our Goodwill Workforce Development Center in Lawrenceville (free parking) — we’re offering classes on the following dates: - Thursday, March 20th, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. - Thursday, March 27th, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Thursday, April 3rd, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. - Tuesday, April 8th, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. - Wednesday, April 16th, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Learn more and sign up at https://lnkd.in/eZNgE_gS #GoodwillSWPA #CareerServices

52 Weeks of Goodwill, Week 11: Meet Latisha, a recent GED graduate! Latisha came to Goodwill to earn her high school diploma, ready to make some changes in her life. Goodwill's flexible class schedule allowed her to continue working full-time while she earned her GED. Latisha excelled in classroom leadership! She led group discussions and explained problems, annotated in her Zoom classes, and rarely missed a class. She finished most of her exams after taking classes. Then, she went through Goodwill's entire math curriculum and passed her math exam on the first try! Goodwill wishes Latisha well in her future goals. She has been a model student who has been an example of persistence and leadership to everyone around her. She's hoping to buy a home and continue on her educational journey! You can learn more about Goodwill's GED program here: https://lnkd.in/g484MjYe #GoodwillSWPA Congratulations, Latisha!

Military experience is valuable—let’s put it to work! Goodwill and Off-Base Transition Training (OBTT) program are offering FREE career workshops to help veterans and military families land their next opportunity. We’re offering the following classes on Tuesday, March 18th at the Goodwill Workforce Development Center in Lawrenceville (free parking!): • Resume Essentials – 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. • Resume Writing Workshop – 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Learn more and sign up at https://lnkd.in/gBUqEkgn #GoodwillSWPA

52 Weeks of Goodwill, Week 10: Meet Donald, a participant from Goodwill's Reintegration Services! While incarcerated, Donald connected with Goodwill's First Step Initiative ReSTART (FSA) program this past March. Understanding the challenges of reentry, Donald was determined to find support for a successful transition. Since his release, he has received reentry support, which includes workforce development, housing assistance, and career planning. During his time in the FSA ReSTART program, Donald secured stable employment and housing! He has returned to a job he loves and plans to own a moving and delivery business one day. Donald advises other participants, "Help is there if you want it. If you're willing to show up, engage, and put in the effort—the Help is there. So, do what you need to do to take advantage of it. Goodwill really cares about people, and they do everything they can to help you move forward and stay on the right path, but you have to want it, too." Congratulations, Donald! Learn more about Goodwill's Reintegration Services here: https://lnkd.in/eeRpZg2K #GoodwillSWPA