WGN Radio News Producer and Goodwill fan, Judy Peilach recently stopped by our Chicago Workforce Connection Center (WCC) to see first hand our mission in action.
Judy regularly visits our Goodwill Store & Donation Centers, and she was equally amazed by her experience at one of five WCCs in the metropolitan Chicago market, including near downtown Chicago (Racine Avenue), Englewood, North Riverside, Lombard, and Joliet.
Our WCCs, which started in 2008 in Milwaukee and expanded to Chicago in 2010, have contributed significantly to growing our impact in the metropolitan Chicago market. In 2014, we achieved approximately 2,000 entered employments (number of jobs secured by our job seekers), over 13,000 people served, and over 600 employer recruiting events; all key measures have increased because of our focus on meeting both job seekers and employers need.
As described in the video, WCCs help job seekers and employer connect. For job seekers, we provide job prep and job search support, including use of computers, resume and basic computer skills training, and access to employers through onsite recruiting events and job boards across a wide variety of industries. For employers, we provide access to a broad applicant pool of motivated job seekers that can supplement your talent acquisition strategy.
In addition to the five WCCs in metropolitan Chicago, we also work with state and local agencies to provide training and placement for ex-offenders, individuals with disabilities, and unemployed. We are investing in developing our training capabilities, starting with the Retail industry but looking to add Manufacturing, Administrative/Professional, and other sector or occupational training over time.
We continue to seek new employer relationships or other community partners in the metropolitan Chicago area. For more information, check out www.goodwillchicago.com or contact me at ddepies@goodwillsew.com.
