Since its founding in Boston, Goodwill Industries International, Inc. has provided training and generated jobs for individuals in need of work. During the pandemic, the mission became even more necessary as the number of jobless people increased across the country. The organization responded to that demand by launching Rising Together, a strategic initiative meant to boost assistance to job seekers and achieve other goals as well.
In order to assist those impacted by job loss as a result of COVID-19 shutdowns and other results of the pandemic, Goodwill’s Rising Together addresses two specific areas of improvement: giving job seekers access to hiring companies and training job seekers for careers. As a result of the company’s efforts, it also expects to save usable goods from going to landfills.
Connecting People with Hiring Companies
Through strategic partnerships, the Rising Together initiative seeks to place 1 million people in sustainable careers by 2025. The organization works with companies, such as Indeed, to bring these jobseekers together with hiring organizations through events. No less than 60 percent of the individuals targeted by this initiative live in minority communities.
Training Individuals for Careers
Another part of the Rising Together initiative calls on Goodwill’s local resale stores to boost sales and improve performance overall. By doing so, the organization funds more training programs for job seekers. Individuals in need of these services may access training through their local Goodwill and with assistance from partners, such as Coursera, to learn new skills and prepare for long-term careers.
Reuse and Recycle
When Goodwill resale locations boost performance, the organization expects that it will rescue upwards of seven billion pounds of items from landfills by repairing and offering them up for sale.
