Workforce Development Services
For more information call 616.532.4200
Achieve: A Long-Term Employment Program
This program is designed to teach self-governance as a way to exit poverty to achieve personal goals. Adult participants begin with an intensive 20 hour workshop followed by weekly skill labs to overcome real life problems. Team support continues for a year after getting a job to secure a new self-governing mindset.
This program is designed to teach self-governance as a way to exit poverty to achieve personal goals. Adult participants begin with an intensive 20 hour workshop followed by weekly skill labs to overcome real life problems. Team support continues for a year after getting a job to secure a new self-governing mindset.
AmeriCorps
Members of the AmeriCorps program expand and enhance Goodwill services by providing assistance to program participants in the form of career assessments, individual planning and goal setting, and assistance with identifying and obtaining needed supports. More Information or visit www.americorps.gov.
Financial Opportunity Center
The Financial Opportunity Center (FOC) is a free and confidential service for motivated Goodwill program participants and employees who want to take control of their financial future. Over a period of at least 18 months, clients will meet one-on-one with FOC staff to learn effective financial decision making skills and how to improve their personal financial standing.
WorkALLIANCE More Information
In partnership with insurance companies, employers, case managers, and public agencies, WorkALLIANCE helps individuals enter or return to the workforce.
Youth
Workforce Investment Act (WIA)
This program serves at-risk youth ages 14-21 living in Kent County. Participants are offered pre-employability skills, paid work experience, career exploration, educational guidance, and employment assistance.
High School Transition Program
Employability and life skills are taught in high school classrooms to students in special education. Special education students exiting school services and entering their employment/adult life receive job placement and retention assistance.
Learning Independence Through Experience (LITE)
In partnership with Grand Valley State University and Michigan Rehabilitation Services, this program serves young adults ages 18-26 who are on the autism spectrum. The program teaches skills to improve independence and self-sufficiency, especially in a workplace environment.
This program serves at-risk youth ages 14-21 living in Kent County. Participants are offered pre-employability skills, paid work experience, career exploration, educational guidance, and employment assistance.
Employability and life skills are taught in high school classrooms to students in special education. Special education students exiting school services and entering their employment/adult life receive job placement and retention assistance.
In partnership with Grand Valley State University and Michigan Rehabilitation Services, this program serves young adults ages 18-26 who are on the autism spectrum. The program teaches skills to improve independence and self-sufficiency, especially in a workplace environment.
Healthcare
Certified Nurse Aide Training (CNA)
The Certified Nurse Aide training course is located at Porter Hills Village. The four-week course includes 115 hours of hands-on-training. This non-paid training includes classroom instruction as well as laboratory and clinical experience, while working with residents of Porter Hills Village. Agencies that commonly refer to the program are MRS and Michigan Works. Private pay is also an option. CNA Referral Information, CNA Referral Form, 2011 Orientation Calendar, 2011 Training Calendar, 2012 Orientation Calendar, 2012 Training Calendar
Northern Area Services
Clare, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, and Osceola Counties
Employment Services
Workforce development services are provided with a focus on placement and sustained employment. Referrals are primarily from Community Mental Health and Michigan Rehabilitation Services.
Michigan Prisoner Re-Entry Initiative (MPRI)
Ex-offenders are referred from the In-Reach coordinator from the Department of Corrections. These participants are recently released from the prison system and have multiple barriers to employment. Services are focused on workforce development (support services are provided by the case management coordinators), and may include classes such as Employability Skills Training, Transitional Work Experience, and Occupational Skills Training, as appropriate.
Pathways to Success
Green Training Initiative
More Information
Listen to WBRN Radio Information
Supported Employment
REACH
This is a collaborative effort using evidence based practices involving Goodwill Industries, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, Network 180, Touchstone Innovare, and Michigan Rehabilitation Services that provides vocational services to those with sever are persistent mental illness. The participants referred to REACH are receiving services or are case managed through Touchstones Innovare, Pine Rest, Hope Behavioral, or Gerontology Network.
VISIONS
Visions assists individuals with developmental disabilities in a variety of area relating to job training, placement and retention. Goodwill’s holistic approach ensures thorough support to individuals interested in developing or strengthening job skills employability.
Re-Entry Program
Community Re-Entry Initiative (CRI)
This program works with individuals that may have a substance abuse problem or other barrier to employment including a criminal history. This program provides training, job seeking assistance, and employability skills.
Veterans
Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program
This program focuses on veterans with barriers to employment, including lack of secure permanent housing. Individuals are referred by the local Veterans Administration, Another Homeless Vet, and walk-ins. Services may include employability skills training, transitional work experience, occupational skills training, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Veterans Temporary Housing
Homeless veterans can receive temporary housing in partnership with Dwelling Place and the Veteran’s Administration. Services, which include meal vouchers and case management, focus on life, employability skills, assistance, and training.
Veterans Workforce Investment Program
The Veterans Workforce Investment Program addresses the unique needs of Veterans seeking employment. Goodwill assists eligible Veterans in a variety of areas relating to job training, placement and retention with an emphasis on green career fields. Veterans also receive support in developing and strengthening employability skills. Individuals participating in this program are eligible because of their service in the United States Armed Forces. Those who have been dishonorably discharged cannot be considered for the program.
