While many are familiar with Goodwill’s national network of thrift stores, the organization’s primary focus is helping people develop the skills and training needed to access high demand jobs paying a living wage. Its Opportunity Center at Goodwill, specializes in job search assistance, career assessment and re-skilling courses. Goodwill of Southeast Georgia has been helping its community achieve economic independence since 1965. Of the more than 6,500 individuals who tapped its services last year, more than 90% had incomes below the poverty line.
Bank of America is helping expand Opportunity Center services for residents of the Savannah area between the ages of 18 and 35. Funds are being used to provide laptops and other technology that enable virtual learning for people who lack the financial resources to afford them. The goal is to deliver individual support and training and employment opportunities with career paths, which is a pillar of Bank of America’s $1.25 billion, five-year commitment to advance racial equality and economic opportunity. And, through an existing partnership with Savannah Technical College, Goodwill of Southeast Georgia will also fund scholarships to cover expenses for testing, advanced certifications and post-secondary education.
