Who we help
Goodwill of the Heartland helps people with barriers to independence.
What is a barrier? It is any obstacle – physical, emotional or intellectual – blocking people from reaching their potential and achieving their best life.
This includes anyone who needs training or support to earn a living wage, obtain employment, live independently or gain the skills necessary for independent living. Some examples include refugees and immigrants experiencing language barriers, young people lacking needed work experience or older workers needing to learn new technology. Veterans can face barriers when reintegrating following their service. Those previously incarcerated face a unique set of barriers as do those with a history of substance abuse or unstable housing.
What we do
Employment Training, Job Placement and Job Maintenance Services
EMPLOYMENT TRAINING
Goodwill offers a number of time-limited, formal curriculum-based skills training services in cooperation with local businesses, including our retail stores. A combination of onsite and classroom (in-person and remote) training helps prepare participants for success.
Our Certified for Success employment training programs include retail, hospitality, food handling, essential computer skills, IT Support Professional and custodial certification programs and are offered throughout our service area. Our industry-based training results in an industry-recognized credential.
We offer a Light Manufacturing Training Program in Cedar Rapids. Goodwill of the Heartland contracts with area businesses to meet their packaging, inspection and light manufacturing needs, while providing trainees with paid work experience and transferable job skills.
Job Placement Services
Goodwill has a range of services to assist individuals in obtaining community employment. Participants receive individualized and group support in resume development, job search and interviewing strategies and networking. Our Job Placement Specialists help participants assess their strengths and needs, set personal goal s and explore their vocational interests.
In addition, but separate from job placement services for our clients, the Helms Career Centers connect job seekers in the general public to area employers.
Veterans Services
Goodwill of the Heartland receives dedicated funding through the U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide employment assistance to veterans experiencing homelessness or near homelessness. Veterans Services offers a broad range of programming to give former military men and women a hand up, and broad eligibility to help a wide range of people.
Day Habilitation
Goodwill offers day programming Monday - Friday to help people with disabilities and other barriers to more fully experience their community, build social and daily living skills and increase their independence. Day Habilitation services are offered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and the Quad Cities.
Supported Community Living
Goodwill provides individualized in-home and community-based support services to help people achieve and maintain independent living. We offer assistance to individuals with disabilities and other barriers to independence. The Supported Community Living Program is offered in the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City area.
Want more information?
Please contact us for more information about the services we provide within our communities. You can review a detailed description of our services by viewing our Mission Services Manual. Goodwill is CARF accredited and uses best practice models to provide quality and innovative services. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Cedar Rapids
Contact Shannon Jamison
sjamison@goodwillheartland.org
(319) 739-5011
Burlington & Iowa City
Contact Sandy Anderson
sanderson@goodwillheartland.org
(319) 248-4620
Clinton & Quad Cities
Contact Sarah Axelson
saxelson@goodwillheartland.org
(563) 484-3706
Keokuk
Contact Amy Winslow
awinslow@goodwillheartland.org
(319) 248-4651
Muscatine
Contact Lora Morgan-Dunham
lmorgandunham@goodwillheartland.org
(563) 484-3703
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