Goodwill Industries of the Valleys provides training and employment services to people who face challenges, disadvantages, or disabilities. Our goal is to help people in our local Virginia communities find a job, train for a better job, or learn life skills so they are able to achieve their greatest potential.
We are changing lives and communities by helping people help themselves and providing a pathway for success.
Goodwill’s services are available at no cost to eligible applicants. How is that possible? Because of your donations of goods and clothing! Most of the funding for program services comes from the sale of donated items in our stores and online marketplaces. In addition, generous financial donations from public and private donors provide program support.
Goodwill programs are transforming lives through the power of work.
Adult Career Training & Employment Services
Goodwill offers Career Navigation services because we realize that everyone’s path to a fulfilling career is different. A Career Navigator can help you each step of the way as you discover and pursue the career that allows you to achieve a better life for you and those you care about. Individuals who are seeking a fulfilling career can find long term job search assistance to overcome the barriers and face the unknowns of navigating your personal career path. Career Navigation is suitable for individuals who desire to develop their skillsets, complete trainings, and earn credentials that empower them to reach their career goals.
Goodwill also offers services through My Career Advisor. It is a no-cost resource for skills training, career advancement and community resources. Signing up for a free account gives you access to a resume and cover letter builder, online classes, job search and interview prep.
Begin your career or training journey today by filling out the short interest form below, email infomissions@goodwillvalleys.com, or call (540) 581.0620 option 1.
Workforce Training for Older Workers
Workers age 55 and older who have a low income may qualify for Goodwill workforce training services for older adults. If this describes you, and you are unemployed, the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) can help you get back into the workforce.
How does it work? Through SCSEP, you will be matched with a community service job that fits your preferred schedule, physical requirements, and desired location. Goodwill staff will also match you with a job that fits your unique skills and training needs.
Once your community service training is complete, we will help you find full or part-time employment. People like Iris, are enjoying full-time employment and fulfilling careers with help from the SCSEP program. View Iris’ story to find out more. Begin your journey today by filling out the short interest form below.
Goodwill® proudly participates in the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), a national employment and training program funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. A $8,017,889 partial grant from the U.S. Department of Labor provided 90 percent of the funding for Goodwill’s SCSEP programs in the program year 2024. Goodwills provided the remaining 10 percent through in-kind contributions worth more than $890,877.
See goodwill.org/scsep for funding details. Goodwill Industries of the Valleys, Inc. received a sub award of $1,814,280 and is contributing in-kind contributions valued at $210,093 to cover the remaining 10 percent of operational costs.
Medicaid Waiver
Group day support, community engagement, and community coaching services are offered to individuals based on their preference and interests. These services provide a wide variety of opportunities in both community and center based settings. Those enrolled in the program may engage with their peers, enhance their social networks, and build life skills while participating in community activities.
Discovery Services Group Day Support
Goodwill’s Discovery Services provides day support for individuals with intellectual, emotional, and physical disabilities. The programs encourage independence. They also enhance skill development through community integration and structured group activities.
Discovery Services Community Engagement
Individuals who have an interest in in exploring their communities and increasing their interpersonal skills, may participate in community activities.
For instance, community activities may be a trip to the mall, bowling, dining out, or a visit to the petting zoo. We have also enjoyed trips to Claytor Lake and Peaks of Otter. Individuals may also participate in volunteer experiences such as clothing and food banks.
Programming is offered in Roanoke, Fairlawn, and Rocky Mount. Individuals living in Goodwill’s 35 counties and 14 cities service area are eligible for services, however are responsible for their own transportation.
Employment Services for Adults with Disabilities
Goodwill provides training and employment for adults with disabilities that includes ongoing support and placement in competitive community employment. Individuals in the program benefit from case-managed services provided by Goodwill Employment Specialists who have completed training and received certification with the Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators.
Individuals may be referred for Employment Services by the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services and by local Community Service Boards.
For Business Owners: If you own or manage a local business and would like more information on how to become a partner with this program, contact us at infomissions@goodwillvalleys.com or (540) 581-0620 option 1.
New Vision Services for Adults who are Blind and Visually Impaired
New Vision at Goodwill seeks to help people who are blind and visually impaired live more independently. We educate, inform, and provide resources so that people with visual impairments can live their fullest lives.
The New Vision offers free instruction on how to use the latest technology and devices to connect to the world and increase independence. The New Vision program is open to anyone who is blind or visually impaired. Apply for services. Services include:
- Virtual Training & In-Person Training
- Personal electronic devices can enhance the lives of people who are blind and visually impaired. New Vision offers free instruction on how to use the latest technology and devices to connect to the world and increase independence.
- Instruction can be provided, in many cases, virtually via telephone, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and FaceTime or by scheduling an in-person appointment. Please contact David Ward or call (540) 985.8900 to find out more. Training hours are Monday – Thursday from 9 am – 4 pm.
- We also offer the Echo Tips Podcast, Blue Ridge Reading Alexa Skill, On Demand News Service, and a Radio Reading Service.
For more information about Goodwill programs, e-mail info@goodwillvalleys.com or call (540) 581.0620.
