Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette

Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette (GICW) is a nationwide program that offers vocational support and opportunities for the disabled and people with significant employment barriers. They have offices across several cities in Oregon, including this one in Albany. This facility is near Highway 34 and about 1.5 miles north of Takena Landing Park.

They support individuals in recovery from substance use disorder, formerly incarcerated individuals and those experiencing homelessness. They can also support youths aging out of foster care and survivors of domestic violence. Clients served have challenges ranging from lack of stable housing, limited work experience and gaps in education or skills. This makes it more difficult for them to secure and maintain jobs.

You can think of GICW as recovery social support services providers. From career counseling to educational and vocational training and housing, these services are essential in helping you maintain stability and lasting abstinence as you progress in your recovery journey.

They can provide resumes & cover letters, personalized job leads & referrals and skill reviews & assessments. Their specialized Training and Development program involves three employment-focused training that can really be helpful in your current and ongoing career needs. These specialized training projects include Career Centers (CC) and employee community education (ECE).

ECE provides free educational workshops and class opportunities that foster personal and professional skills building. The services encompass leadership development workshops, career building and financial literacy alongside health & wellness and family strengthening. The Career Center provides Microsoft Office, Google Workspace and Computer Basics classes. These trainings facilitate fast reentry into the labor market as you move forward in recovery. The best part is that the classes are available both virtually and onsite.

GICW can seamlessly link you to employers willing to work with employees in recovery through their network of partners. They provide housing support and assist with navigating homelessness. This support may include help with finding temporary shelter, securing permanent housing and accessing financial assistance for housing needs.

They may offer assistance in financing your rent even while on residential care. Most of these services are part of their Foundation Community Supports (FCS), which supports people with extreme job and employment issues. It’s all about helping you achieve stability and independence as you move forward in your recovery journey.