As the unemployment rate in Wisconsin remains high, many are facing the stress of needing to support themselves and provide for their families. Yet even in this time of growing worry and uncertainty, Goodwill is here to help people overcome obstacles, find jobs and achieve their goals.
Earlier this year, Linda* was referred to Goodwill’s Workforce Connection Center Access Point through.jpg?width=300&name=1597154922157~2(2).jpg)
our partnership with Sojourner Family Peace Center. With her children living in foster care, Linda was determined to get a job and be reunited with her family.
The pandemic and Safer-at-Home order created complications in Linda’s job search since she didn’t have a computer or internet access at home. Even with these barriers, Linda worked with her Goodwill Workforce Connection Center consultant, Ee, to reach her goal. Ee assisted her with updating her resume, applying for jobs and submitting applications - all over the phone.
“All of this work was done virtually, and it would not have been possible without us working together,” shared Ee.
In April, Linda received exciting news – she had been hired by a local food processing company. Ee was there to celebrate her achievement and support her with the on-boarding process.
“It feels good being able to support a client in this way,” said Ee. “Things may be different without access to our regular tools and resources, but we are Goodwill and are still able to find ways to provide services and help people gain employment.”
Unfortunately, like many food processing companies across the US, Linda’s plant was shut down due to COVID-19 and she was out of a job. Healthy and with high hopes, Linda didn’t give up. She once again was connected by Goodwill to an opportunity with a national big-box retailer. A store manager currently working for this retail company previously accessed services through Sojourner Truth House and remains passionate in supporting other victims of domestic violence.
Two months later, Linda started her new job as a Front-end Cashier, and is looking forward to growing within the company on a career path just like the manager that hired her! Linda is extremely grateful and stated, “Getting this job gave me life and hope! I am so happy to let my children know that their mother has gotten a job and they will be coming home soon."
When you shop or donate to Goodwill, you’re helping your community, and people just like Linda transform their lives through the power of work. With support from generous shoppers and donors, Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin & Metropolitan Chicago can continue to offer free, virtual workforce development services and resources to anyone seeking employment.
*EDITOR'S NOTE: Out of the respect and privacy of the client, this story used "Linda" as an alias name.
