Christina's Success Story

When Christina came to Goodwill in 1998, she was shy and bereft of self-esteem - a mother of three who had been stuck in an abusive relationship. Today, Christina works in accounting at a successful educational foundation and has earned the respect and friendship of her coworkers. In addition, her remarkable singing talent recently propelled her into a finalist spot in the Gospel Music Channel's "Gospel Dream" competition. "I am the fruit of Goodwill's labor," says Christina. "Goodwill was the beginning of living for me."

BUSINESS ADVISORY COUNCILS

Business Advisory Council (BAC) members provide advice and counsel to Goodwill staff, serve as role models for program participants, educate the business world and community about Goodwill's mission and services and establish and maintain a network for the successful employment of program graduates. Our BAC network enables Goodwill to track labor market trends and continually develop programs to effectively address the needs of the business community.

There are currently 10 councils with over 250 members. For more information or to participate on one of these councils, please contact Nancy Doub at ndoub@goodwillnwnc.org or (336) 724-3621 ext. 271.

The Office Technology BAC serves as the advisory board for the Introduction to Office Technology and Word/Excel Training Programs. Members provide information regarding labor market trends, training and equipment in the computer industry.

The Health Services BAC assists with curriculum design for the Personal Care Attendant, Certified Nursing Assistant Levels 1 & 2, Phlebotomy and Pharmacy Technician Assistant Training Programs. Members also support Goodwill students through job fairs and business panels.

The Service Industries BAC provides valuable labor market information for the Housekeeping Service Technician, Floor Care Technician, Trade Skills (e.g. electrical, plumbing, masonry, HVAC and carpentry) and Careers in Food Services Training Programs. Members are instrumental in providing educational presentations and facility tours that aid students with their vocational career choices.

The Community Advisory Council serves to advance Goodwill's mission "...to serve the community..." Council members develop social and cultural experiences that enable individuals to more fully participate in community life.

The Asheville BAC provides an opportunity for professional interaction between Goodwill staff, individuals served, and local business leaders. The Council is divided into two subcommittees: Workforce Development and Skills Training.

The Catawba County BAC provides leadership and guidance for the Catawba County Workforce Development Center which offers job placement services, skills training classes and services for persons with disabilities.

The Davidson County BAC provides an opportunity for professional interaction between Goodwill staff, individuals served, and local business leaders. This council provides leadership and guidance for the Davidson County Career Connections Center which offers work experience and job placement services through a contract with the Department of Social Services.

The Iredell County BAC provides a vehicle for business leaders to provide insight to Goodwill staff at the Iredell County Workforce Development Center regarding labor trends and training needs in the local community.

The Rowan County BAC supports the Career Connections Center in Salisbury which offers free, personalized career services to assist job seekers and is a partner in the North Carolina JobLink Career Center system.

The Surry County BAC supports the Surry County Career Connections Center which offers free, personalized career services to assist job seekers, supports skills training programs offered through the community college and is a partner in the North Carolina JobLink Career Center system.