Joanna's Success Story

Joanna moved into a group home after her mother suffered a debilitating stoke. The residential director there told Joanna about Goodwill’s Adult Development Vocational Program. Soon, Joanna started taking health and recreation classes to stay active, independent living classes to learn to cook and safely use household appliances, and art classes to express her creativity. Today, Joanna works two jobs—one in Goodwill’s Contract Services Division and one at a local restaurant. She feels good about herself now, and dreams of getting her own apartment and living independently.

NEWS

New Center Offers Free Services to Improve Financial Stability

5/20/2008

Winston Salem NC

The Career Connections & Prosperity Center will hold a grand opening and open house on May 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Center, a United Way of Forsyth County “breakthrough initiative” led by Goodwill Industries in partnership with Consumer Credit Counseling Service, Family Services “Ways to Work” Program, Center for Homeownership and Experiment in Self-Reliance, helps families and individuals move toward greater economic stability, higher earnings and home ownership.

The Center opened its doors on April 1 and has already served 78 people. Services offered include job readiness and placement services, help resolving credit issues, assistance with obtaining low-interest car loans, matched savings programs for homeownership, income tax filing services and personalized finance plans. Classes in computer skills, GED, and English as a Second Language (ESL) will be added in the coming months.

“The Center is unique in that it offers a comprehensive package of free services all under one roof,” said Art Gibel, president of Goodwill and spokesperson for the Center. “By partnering with like-minded agencies, we are able to pool resources, strengthen our impact and focus delivery of services to meet the needs of the community.”

The Waughtown site was selected as a result of United Way Impact Council sessions that targeted the area as a prime location for initiatives to improve financial stability. City Council Members Joycelyn Johnson and Evelyn Terry will participate in the ribbon cutting ceremony along with representatives from the founding agencies. The event is open to the public.

Event: Career Connections & Prosperity Center Grand Opening & Open House

Date: Wednesday, May 21

Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m.

Location: 585 Waughtown Street in the Gateway Office Center, Suite B-101

The Career Connections & Prosperity Center is open Monday thru Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments are not necessary and walk-ins are welcome.

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