Paper Exercise1. Fold your paper in half.2. Fold your paper in half again.3. Tear off one corner.4. Tear off another corner.5. Unfold your piece of paper.

Is your paper the same as everyone around you?

Everyone received the same instructions, yet each person’sresults are different. Everyone has a unique way of perceiving

what is going on around us.

What does your ideal picture of life look like?Draw or describe it on your piece of paper.

It’s not where you have been—It’s where you are going

Transitions: Women Venturing Into New Opportunities

Goodwill of the Great Plains

Goodwill of the Great PlainsOur Mission Our Values“Building Independence,

Quality of Life, and Work Opportunities”Train employees and

clients on the skill sets necessary to lead into the future by maximizing potential to grow.

CompassionAchievementPotentialIntegrityDignity

Overview of Main ServicesEmployment ServicesVocational TrainingSoft SkillsConnection Center

1534 people obtained employment through our services last year!

Additional ServicesVouchers and Additional Funds

Purchase new clothing for interviewsVouchers to Goodwill Stores for clothing and other

necessitiesPurchase new “every day” clothing and work clothing

Boots to SuitsConnect veterans to job opportunities

Camp GoodwillLow cost, week-long camp for children 8-12 years oldServes 500 children each summer

Shoe & Mitten PartyDistribute new shoes, socks, hats, and mittens to over 1000

children in need ages 5-11

Getting Started: Who We ServeMultiple referral sources

Community Agencies Vocational Rehabilitation, Veterans Affairs,

Department of Labor, Department of Social Services, churches, etc.

“General Public”Individuals with barriers

Low income, homelessness, limited job history, gaps in employment, legal history, etc.

Getting Started: Assessing NeedsTeam of full-time professionals behind each

personBuild relationships from the beginning that

encourage mutual respectVariety of assessment tools to identify

interests, strengths, ability, and readinessSupport to identify “circle of change”

Identify a behavior circle and how to interrupt that circle in order to make effective, long-term change

How We Help: Employment ServicesResume developmentApplication assistanceJob search/job coachingJob skills developmentInterview preparationAddress legal historyFollow-up services

Develop a mutual employment plan focusing on your objectives, including employment and beyond, from your perspective

“John”• Lost his home and all possessions during a divorce•Homeless, living in his vehicle and shelters• Legal history• Undergoing treatment for alcoholism

How we helped:• Assisted in updating resume• Assisted in job search for employers that would “give him a second chance”• Advocated and provided references following submitted applications

Today:Obtained full-time

employment in his field of choice

Able to provide proof of stable income to secure housing

Self-esteem has improvedIs thriving in his current

position and loves the work environment

“Laura”• Recent immigrant• Unable to read or write, limited English speaking ability• No formal transferrable education• Recent family issues, including death of daughter

How we helped:• Assisted in identifying transferrable skills• Connected to employers who would “give her a chance”• Advocated and assisted during interviews

Today:Obtained full-time

employment, with benefits

Able to send money back to her home country to support grandchildren

Developed a renewed sense of faith and confidence in herself

How We Help: Vocational TrainingJob training

programs focusing on skill development to prepare for entry-level positions

Goal: to become proficient in a particular occupation and open doors to career opportunities

How We Help: Soft Skills (LEAP)Free program to

prepare job seekers for employment

Complete the National Career Readiness Certificate

Articulation agreement with local community college to earn college credits upon successful completion

Hands-on training and classroom experiencePrepare for jobs in

customer service, retail, and call center

Practice leadership, teamwork, and communication skills

Optional work opportunity at different Goodwill locations (up to 20 hrs/week)

How We Help: Connection CenterStaffed full-time to

offer assistance as necessary with resume development, job search, application completion, connection to resources

Staff is bilingual in Spanish

Open to the public to access computers for job search purposes

Offer job fairs to connect job seekers with employers looking to fill positions

Connection Center at Goodwill of the Great Plains

“Scott”• Former gang member• Legal history• Unable to read or write• Turned away by local programs and employers due to first impressions and intimidating appearance

How we helped:• Assisted in developing resume and completing job applications• Advocated and reconnected with REACH• Assisted in job search for employers that would “give him a second chance”

Today:Able to provide stable

income to support himself and family

Obtained full-time employment in which he feels he will enjoy it and be successful while earning a higher wage

Continues to work with REACH to improve literacy skills

“Deanna”• Relocated with only $26 in her pocket• Homeless, living in her vehicle and staying with friends

How we helped:• Sponsored a Goodwill Job Fair• Helped market her transferrable skills• Connected with an employer and landed a job as a result of the Job Fair

Today:Loves her job and is often

praised for her excellent work and fresh perspective

Receives excellent pay and benefits, including 2 raises

Moved into her own place for the first time in 3 years

Attended Goodwill’s next Job Fair as a recruiter and to share her success story“Goodwill is wonderful

because, through this very event, I got my job.

Goodwill is much more than just a store!”

Now What?Making a change:

Take full responsibility of your life stop blaming current situation on things in the past can’t change the past… accept it and move forward

Live the life you want don’t worry what others think don’t listen to people saying you can’t or shouldn't

Declare your independence you have your own destiny to fulfill nobody has a right to interfere make a commitment to what you really want don’t worry what others think

Develop a code of non-victim ethics—a set of “core” beliefs “I will live my life according to what I believe is my path. My path is

what I feel is correct for ME. I am a person of power and integrity.”

GROW in your career GROW – Goal

Where do you want to be in 18 months? In 5 years? What will/could life look like then? Do you have specific goals? Can your goals be measured? Do you need to take “baby steps” to reach your goal?

GROW – Reality Make sure you understand yourself and what you can have for a career.

What motivates you? What are your key skills? What are your strengths?

GROW – Obstacles/Options What are your roadblocks? What training do you need? Who is in your “network?” Who can advocate for you? Do you have to advocate for yourself?

GROW – Will/Way Forward Take all of the information about yourself you just discovered Analyze your current situation Determine the next steps to build your own Career Roadmap Start --- Go --- Take the Next Step! You can do it!

Our Vision“Create a world of dignity and compassion by

putting people to work. Goodwill invests in our community by: turning donated goods into work opportunities, forming and expanding job creation centers through innovative programming and services, and development of leaders.”

Goodwill of the Great Plainswww.goodwillgreatplains.org

Jennifer Aery, Employment Specialist(605) 357-6145aeryj@goodwillgreatplains.org