Goodwill Industries of the Valleys

Youth Services

Successfully raising a child takes caregivers, schools, community groups, and others working together. Goodwill is committed to helping youth become ready for what lies ahead. Programs are provided at no cost to youth and their families.

My Career Advisor

Goodwill also offers services through My Career Advisor. It is 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.

My Career Advisor

Community School to Work Transition Program

Goodwill provides employment and training services to students with disabilities between the ages of 16 and 22 to become work ready. In person job readiness training is provided during the program year coupled with participation in a variety of work-based learning experiences during the students’ regular school hours. Instruction may include:

  • Job Exploration Counseling
  • Workplace Readiness Training
  • Self-Advocacy
  • Communication and Teamwork
  • Workplace Safety
  • Technology in the Workplace
  • Preparing for and Maintaining Employment
  • Financial Literacy

Students also develop social and independent living skills, while gaining work experience in a monitored real-world work location. Work-based learning locations are chosen among a variety of collaborations with local businesses. Tasks at each location are assigned based on the student’s individual interests.

To participate in the CSWTP program, a student will need to be referred by their individual case manager, or their school system’s Transition Coordinator.

For more information on Goodwill’s Community School to Work Transition Program, email infomissions@goodwillvalleys.com or call (540) 581.0620 option 1.

Pre-Employment Transition Services 

Goodwill works with the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI) and the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) to help students with disabilities between the ages of 16 and 21 become work ready. Individual, Group, and Summer options are available to eligible students. Instruction may include: 

  • Job Exploration Counseling 
  • Workplace Readiness Training 
  • Counseling in Post-Secondary Education 
  • Instructions in Self-Advocacy 
  • Communication and Teamwork 
  • Workplace Safety 
  • Technology in the Workplace 
  • Preparing for and Maintaining Employment 
  • Financial Literacy 

Students can also participate in a variety of work-based learning experiences based upon their individual interests, preferences and strengths.

To participate in the Pre-ETS program, a student will need to be referred by DBVI or DARS.

For more information on Goodwill’s Pre-Employment Transition Services, email infomissions@goodwillvalleys.com or call (540) 581.0620 option 1.

Goodwill partners with Carilion Clinic to offer Project SEARCH, a one year program that provides education and on-site training to prepare youth with disabilities to be work ready upon graduation from high school. The program serves as a workforce alternative for students in their last year of high school and is located at Carilion Clinic in Roanoke. 

Students learn employability skills in the classroom, and job skills while participating in three unpaid internships during the year. Students actively participate in defining their career goal and planning the necessary steps to achieve that goal. Students also have the added benefit of learning life skills, such as using public transportation, to report to work sites. The ultimate goal, upon program completion, is to have the skills necessary to obtain competitive employment. 

Project SEARCH: Carilion Clinic is offered to individuals living in the City of Roanoke and Salem and Counties of Roanoke and Botetourt. For more information on the Project SEARCH: Carilion Clinic program email infomissions@goodwillvalleys.com or call (540) 581.0620 option 1.

YouthHQ@Goodwill 

YouthHQ @Goodwill logo

YHQ is a center for middle and high school students located at 2502 Melrose Avenue, NW, Suite G. The program serves Roanoke area youth and features the following activities and offerings for middle and high school youth: 

  • Computer Lab: For school projects & training opportunities such as learning computer skills beyond hand-held devices 
  • Recreational Spaces: TV with gaming systems, pool table, foosball table, & more 
  • Community Engagement Activities & Field Trips
  • Crafts
  • Meals (provided by Feeding SW Virginia)
  • Work Training & Career Readiness Services

YHQ Center Hours
Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:45 am – 10 am & 3 pm – 6:30 pm
For more information about how to participate in YHQ and activities, email infomissions@goodwillvalleys.com or call (540) 581.0620 option 1.

YouthBuild

The YouthBuild Program helps Roanoke area youth ages 16-24, without a high school diploma, access training and job opportunities in the in-demand construction field. You will get paid while you learn! Youth benefit from:

  • Earning their GED
  • Earning a National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) Core Certificate
  • Participating in new and rehab construction of a residential property
  • OSHA training
  • Work based learning
  • Job placement services
  • Opportunities to earn medical certifications

For more information on the YouthBuild Program, email infomissions@goodwillvalleys.com or call (540) 581.0620 option 1 to be contacted by a YouthBuild staff member.

The total cost of the YouthBuild Roanoke program is $1,498,750.00. $1,199,000.00 (80%) is funded through a U.S. Department of Labor-Employment and Training Administration grant. The other $299,750 (20%) is funded through in kind and other non-governmental sources.

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