What we do
Goodwill of the Heartland helps people reach their full potential through education, training and the power of work.
The heart of our mission is creating access to competitive jobs by every means at our disposal. We not only provide the resources needed to land a good job, but additional supports to help people maintain employment.
We believe in the power and dignity of work.
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 a variety of career paths including information technology, customer service, custodial, hospitality and manufacturing. Our industry-based training results in an industry-recognized credential. In addition, Helms Career Centers assist people with digital skills training and work-readiness classes.
Job Placement & Maintenance Services
Goodwill has a range of services to assist people 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 goals and explore their vocational interests.
Supported employment services help participants retain community jobs or create their own business. Participants develop strategies to eliminate or reduce workplace barriers and to develop support systems to maintain employment.
In addition, Helms Career Centers connect job seekers 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 members a hand up, and broad eligibility to help a wide range of people.
Day Habilitation
Goodwill offers day programming Monday through 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, Davenport and Iowa City.
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.
Who we help
Goodwill of the Heartland helps people with barriers to independence.
What is a barrier? It is any obstacle – physical, emotional, intellectual, social or economic – 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 justice-involved face a unique set of barriers as do those with a history of substance abuse or unstable housing.
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.
Cedar Rapids Area
Contact Shannon Jamison
sjamison@goodwillheartland.org
(319) 739-5011
Burlington & Iowa City Areas
Contact Sandy Anderson
sanderson@goodwillheartland.org
(319) 248-4620
Clinton & Quad Cities Areas
Contact Sarah Axelson
saxelson@goodwillheartland.org
(563) 484-3706
Keokuk Area
Contact Amy Winslow
awinslow@goodwillheartland.org
(319) 248-4651
Muscatine Area
Contact Lora Morgan-Dunham
lmorgandunham@goodwillheartland.org
(563) 484-3703
