Community Access

Goodwill’s newly expanded Community Access offers two community-based service tracks that support you in reaching your goals of community employment and connection. We've recently launched a foundation track to complement our existing intermediate track—and both paths strengthen the skills, confidence and self-awareness that prepares people for life and work in the community.

Preparing people for life and work in the community

Goodwill's Community Access Foundational Track (CAFT) is a new community-based employment training program that offers experiential learning in the community approximately 50% of the time. Skill building also happens through training room instruction and hands-on skills practice. Training modules last 2-3 months and conclude with a capstone project that allows individuals to showcase what they have learned. This service is offered three to five full days per week with a 1:4 to 1:8 ratio.

Skill-building focus areas

Job Readiness and Exploration:

Volunteering
Customer service
Following directions
Job exploration
Community tours
Technology skills

Soft Skills:

Time management
Social skills
Self-esteem
Problem solving
Communication skills
Healthy relationship skills

Independent Living Skills:

Safety in the community
General housekeeping
Money management
Cooking
Health and well-being
Personal interests

Community-based employment training designed for you

Goodwill's Community Access Intermediate Track (CAIT) provides community-based training, job shadowing and volunteer experiences to help you identify and achieve your job goal. We'll connect you to your community and resources to increase independence and prepare you for the job of your choice. This more intensive and individualized training is offered two half days per week with a 1:2 ratio. Application to Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) with support throughout the process is provided. Additionally, we offer travel training on the city bus to support independent mobility.

Training Stages:

Discovery to identify strengths, establish goals and explore interests
Professional Behaviors to improve on employability and community skills such as communication and positive attitude.
Job Exploration to learn about employment opportunities available in the community to establish a job goal.
Technology, Resume and Interview Skills to learn the steps involved in the job search process an how to meet employer expectation.
Volunteer rotations to gain hands-on experience related to your job interests.

Eligibility

Personal goal of community employment
17 years of age or older
Not a harm to self or others

Funding Sources

My Choice Family Care, Community Care, Care Wisconsin, IRIS, High Schools or Private Pay

Service Delivery

Community Access is part-time, offered Monday through Friday during the day. Individuals receive services typically 8-10 hours per week. Our Community Integration Specialists will typically pair individuals based on interests and skill level.