Services for People
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does Goodwill help people?
A. We help people who have had some difficulties becoming as independent
and satisfied with their lives as they can be. We do this by offering
a variety of vocational and non-vocational services, including
short-term and long-term supports.
Q: Who does Goodwill work with?
A: We assist people who various issues. Some individuals have a
disability, some are still in high school, some are homeless
(including Veterans), and some have recently been in prison.
Q. Where do you help people?
A. Currently we provide assistance in the Cedar Rapids area, Vinton,
the Iowa City area, the Quad Cities, Muscatine and Clinton. However,
we do not offer all of our services in all areas.
Q. What are some specific things you can help me with?
A. We can help you get and keep a job. We can also help you improve
some your living skills so that you can live more independently
in your home or apartment.
Q. Can I work at Goodwill?
A. You are welcome to apply
for a staff position at Goodwill.
As a step toward a job with a local business, you
may work in training at one of our Employment and Training
Centers or a Goodwill Retail Store.
Q. How do I qualify to get assistance from Goodwill?
A. For almost all of our services, you must be at least 16 years
of age, not harmful to others or yourself, have a desire to improve
and have a funding source.
Q. What is a funding source?
A. Similar to a college, Goodwill charges a fee to participate
in our services. Almost always, you do not need to pay this fee.
Q. How do I connect with Goodwill?
A. There are agencies, usually a part of the government, that can
refer you to Goodwill. Some of these organizations are the
Iowa
Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS),
the departments assisting people with disabilities in Linn,
Johnson,
Scott,
Muscatine and
other
Counties. If you already have a
connection with one of these agencies, contact a person who works
there about the possibility of working with Goodwill. You can
also call or email a Goodwill staff member listed
in the light blue column of this page.
Q. Would I be with Goodwill for a short period of time or for
a long time?
A. It depends. Some services are very short – a month or
two. We also have some services that help people for their whole
life if they need it.
Q. Do you do a good job?
A. We think so. We keep track of how well we do. We set some records
for performing well last year. For example, we found jobs for
436 people during 2006 – a 20% increase over 2005’s
record.
Q. Will I have a say regarding my Goodwill experience?
A. Of course. We have found that everything works better when you
have a big say about all parts of your Goodwill experience.
Q. Are there other organizations that do what you do?
A. There usually are some other organizations to choose from -
depending on where you live. We encourage you to shop around.
We want you to be as satisfied with your choice as you can be.
Q. How do your Goodwill Stores fit in with all of this?
A. In addition, to providing really good deals to our store customers,
our stores play a big part in our mission to help people. Our
stores make money which helps to keep the cost of assistance
reasonable. Our Stores also provide a place where you may learn
to become a better worker.
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