Community Service opportunities are available to individuals that are mandated by the court, probation office or school. Volunteers are also welcome to apply. This service takes place at any of our seven retail locations in Lorain County and/or at our main office. Location preferences are taken into consideration, but are assigned by availability.

Free computer training is provided at our main office, in Elyria, and collaborated community sites. Enjoy an independent self-paced learning environment or instructor-led interactive classes. Learn the basics of Microsoft and Google and stay up-to-date on current technological trends and news. Don’t get left behind in this fast paced industry.

Goodwill Industries of Lorain County is distributing food from the “Good Will” Food Pantry to Lorain County families and individuals in need. This service is available every third Wednesday of each month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at our main office, 145 Keep Court, Elyria. Participants must be income eligible and bring proof of residency (photo ID).

This institution is an equal opportunity provider

Eligibility Resources

Job Club provides assistance with essential job seeking skills; application, resume and interview preparation. After an introductory class, participants work one-on-one with staff to create a plan that addresses their individual needs for an effective community job search. Participants are accepted on a walk-in basis or as referred by a local human service agency.

Goodwill hosts Job Fairs one to two times a year that is open to the public. These hiring events are free to the public and to the employers.

Goodwill is investing in the future of our communities and the next generation of professionals. Goodstart is a soft skills training program specifically tailored to high school students to help them achieve success in the working environment. Resumes, job search techniques, interviewing, work ethic, and interpersonal skills are some of the topics covered in this 12-week program.

Goodwill Industries of Lorain County substance abuse treatment groups are designed to help people break the chains of addiction and become productive members of the community. While working with a Goodwill peer supporter to face the reasons for their addiction and learning to live drug-free, participants may also receive help to earn their GED (General Educational Diploma), Employment Readiness, and Job Development/Placement assistance.

The Goodwill Re-Entry Program aims to address the full range of challenges faced by formerly incarcerated adults to make successful transitions back to the community by overcome barriers to employment that fosters confidence and skill building necessary for a successful transition to a stable productive life, and help reduce recidivism.

Goodwill of Lorain County also provides various trainings. Participation in these trainings will provide a competitive edge for any job seeker.

Certificates of Completion:
• Computer Skills
• General Office Clerks
• Janitorial
• Warehouse/Forklift
• Cashier Training

These services provide assistance, such as, instruction to learn job tasks; to develop natural and peer supports; and adjusting to the work environment. Additionally, they provide continued supports to the participant and/or employer after the participant has learned the job tasks and reached his/her expected level of independence to ensure stability of the placement and enhance retention.

Through this service, our Employment Specialists contacts employers and identifies potential job leads. The Employment Specialist and participant will have weekly contact during the service to share job leads and provide updates. Job Seeking Skills Training activities such as resume development and interview skills are a component of this service. Specific tasks may include, but are not limited to, assisting in completing applications, sending resumes and cover letters, accompanying participants to interviews, reinforcement of interviewing skills, follow up with employers, educating employers on hiring incentives, and negotiating hiring.

The goal of the Summer Youth Program is to provide youth (ages 14-24) valuable work experience while earning a paycheck to help meet basic needs. The summer employment program offers the opportunity for youth to develop a work history and have a current reference from an employer. Goodwill is responsible for placing the youth at job-sites, as well as providing training, job coaching and mentoring.

The program continues to be a strong employment program for our youth as well as a great opportunity for local businesses. It provides businesses additional summer help and lets them evaluate and observe the youth before a potential job offer.

Assessment services assess the participant’s job readiness and/or provide information on a participant’s aptitudes, abilities, behaviors, and preferences to determine if a specific employment opportunity is a match. Employment sites are developed in businesses that offer positions related to the individual’s career goals found on their referral. Employment Specialists also help participants explore specific employment options.