Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania (Goodwill SWPA) is proud to announce the start GO4. The program helps youth and young adults 18-24 end their justice involvement through rewarding and engaging paid work experience that can lead to employment and real careers. Examples of young adults who are justice involved include:
- Individuals who are or have been on juvenile or adult probation
- Individuals who are or have been incarnated
- Individuals who have been or are part of or aged out of the foster care system
- Individuals who may be pending charges/court hearing
GO4 is based on the understanding that employment reduces the probability someone will reactivate due to three main factors: an ability to earn an income, reduced free time and exposure to conventional norms within the workplace.
Young adults will benefit from YouthWorks’ premier job readiness curriculum, JumpStart Success, which focuses on communication, resume writing, customer service, career goal setting, leadership development, and occupational skills development. During the program, participants will receive the support needed to be successful in the workforce and beyond, including violence prevention, conflict resolution and mentoring by our community partners. Youthworks staff will meet young adults at a convenient location to help them access the support needed to succeed such as a dedicated case worker, transportation assistance, employment services, financial literacy and follow up and support for one year.
Young adults will spend 8 weeks completing paid work experience in a career field that interests them that will have a career pathway to success. They will have the opportunity to work up to 30 hours a week and gain the skills necessary to be hired in entry-level position. All young adults will earn a certificate from the National Retail Federation Foundation (NRFF) in Customer Service in Sales or Supply Chain Inventory and Logistics.
Expanding Equitable Opportunity
From the United States Department of Labor: “In communities around the country that have historically experienced disinvestment, leading to high rates of poverty and violent crime, young people with arrest or conviction records face difficulties in finding and keeping a good job.” This funding will help young people succeed in the workforce and as productive members of their community.
Since 1994, Goodwill SWPA’s YouthWorks programming has been helping youth in the Greater Pittsburgh area become work-ready and career-focused. We specialize in creating a level playing field for youth from the most disadvantaged communities. Our goal – no youth’s potential should be overlooked.
YouthWorks provides career building experiences to our most vulnerable youth to help develop their potential and achieve social and economic upward mobility. Since its inception, YouthWorks has served over 23,000 youth throughout the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County through career exploration, work readiness training, and employment opportunities.
Eligibility
Young people ages 18-24 that are out of school (GED or high school diploma not required), have been involved with the justice system, and reside in Allegheny County are eligible. Goodwill SWPA is accepting admissions on a rolling basis.
Contact 412-632-1742 or morgan.matthews@goodwillswpa.org.