Goodwill Dedicates Renovated Employment Center
April 17, 2019Richmond, Va. (April 17, 2019) –Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, leaders from Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia, donors and community partners today celebrated Goodwill’s newly renovated Community Employment Center in South Richmond at a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony.
“This is where the magic of changing lives through the power of work takes place,” said Charles D. Layman, president and CEO of Goodwill. “The renovation has created inspiration and opportunities for job seekers who, in many cases, have had limited opportunities to participate in the workforce.”
The Community Employment Center at 6301 Midlothian Turnpike is one of five operated by Goodwill.
With space modifications and updates, Goodwill increased training and support service capacity at this location by 25 to 30 percent, and also upgraded technology.
Maria Rasmussen, chair of Goodwill’s Board of Directors, said, “We want to be sure people have the tools to become employable throughout their lives, to get on and up career ladders and to be more self-sufficient and resilient.”
Following remarks by Goodwill’s leaders and Mayor Stoney, guests heard from Destiny Hunter, who completed Goodwill’s Transition to Independence and Employment (TIE) program to reduce her reliance on public assistance. “Goodwill gave me hope at every turn,” said Hunter, who experienced homelessness and joblessness prior to connecting with Goodwill.
Following successful completion of the TIE program, Hunter secured a job with a homeless services organization, purchased a car and has stable housing for herself and her daughter. She is now enrolled in Goodwill’s TIE II program to acquire more skills to advance her career and her earnings.
Job seekers interested in receiving individualized workforce development services – from resume building and job search support to soft skills training, computer and financial literacy and credentialing programs – may visit any of Goodwill’s Community Employment Centers. Locations and hours can be found at https://goodwillvirginia.org/get-job-ready/community-employment-centers/.
