Over the summer, Goodwill worked in partnership with The Dominican Center to host their Earn and Learn Program participants for a day of education at the James O. Wright Center for Work and Training on Milwaukee’s northwest side. The event, Preparing for Success aimed to provide students from local high schools with knowledge, tools and resources to assist not only themselves but job seekers in their community in search of employment opportunities.
The Earn and Learn Program provides work for individuals ages 14-24 as well as the opportunity to learn essential life skills. Community organizations that operate the program partner with other area businesses to expand their outreach into neighborhoods across the city. Participants in The Dominican Center’s Earn and Learn Program attending Goodwill’s Preparing for Success event included students from local high schools St. Augustine Preparatory Academy, Golda Meir High School, Bradley Tech and Trade and Messmer High School. Goodwill staff representing the Workforce Connection Centers and Laundry & Linen provided participants with an overview of the organization, a tour of the commercial laundry operation and educated them on job search preparation, writing a resume and a cover letter, online applications, interviewing skills, email etiquette and success on the job. Additionally, the students received a $25 gift card to shop at Goodwill’s retail store for interview appropriate clothing.
Participants found this experience not only educational but enjoyable. Stevie James Jr. said that ‘picking out job clothes’ was one of the things he enjoyed the most, while Henry Hutchinson felt the experience ‘showed him proper etiquette.’
Other students including Mariah Ruby, shared their thoughts on the experience saying, “I am able to leave confident on how to get and prepare for a job. I feel like I can use what I learned to spread information to those who need jobs or didn’t know what this center offered.”
Sophia Lusk mentioned, “I now know that this Goodwill has a Workforce Connection Center with computers open to the public to use when searching for jobs, which could be very helpful.”
Overall, both the Goodwill staff and Earn and Learn Program participants found the experience meaningful, realizing that it takes partners like The Dominican Center and Goodwill working together to help communities thrive.
If you’re looking to get involved with our community engagement efforts, service opportunities or special events, or if you’d like to learn more about Goodwill Community Relations initiatives email communityrelations@goodwillsew.com.