Had a question about the website concerning an obscure reference on the auto auction portion of the site. When I called the auto auction the Agent didn't know what was meant by "gas monkey garage project". I thought it was a typo. Was then referred to Todd Regal(sp) whose call went to voice mail. So, I now call the website number for " any questions or comments and the operator sends me back to the auto auction agent who tells me he just spoke to Todd Regal who is aware that I've been referred to speak to him. Now I call the operator again and tell him he needs to connect me to someone who is responsible for the website and he rudely tells me that the agent should have been able to answer my question and that he was being very patient and kind with me, and sends me to Todd Regal's v. m., whom is V.P Marketing. So now I Google gas monkey and it's an obscure car reality show on the discovery channel that I guess I should esoterically be aware of just because I potentially want to by a car at their charity auction. One more call to the agent to explain who says,"I'm a car guy and I never heard of it." Once more the v.m. forTodd v.p. marketing who handles website content. No return call. Very unprofessional for a nonprofit whose lifeblood rellies on donations from the general public whom I'm sure very few are hotrod hipsters. No goodwill.
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Review from Guidestar
I became unemployed in March of 2010. I can't remember when I didn't have a job before that. I felt alone, afraid, frustrated, angry, and so many more emotions. My finances were scarce as well. My counselor from BSVI (Bureau Services for the Visually Impaired) suggested I go to Goodwill in order to help me find a job. I didn't want to go there. I had some preconceived ideas of what Goodwill was all about. I did not know if Goodwill could help me find a job that meets my needs. Boy was I wrong.
I enrolled in Goodwill Workforce Development in May of 2010 to help me look for a job. I found Goodwill Columbus to be the most helpful, courteous, caring, non judgemental, and knowledgeable staff that I could have ever hope for to guide me back in to the working world. I started with a soft skills class. That was to give me some helpful pointers about employment such as tips on interviewing, what employers were looking for in an employee, how to handle myself in the work place, and so much more. The networking class did a lot of the same things, but more in-depth. Those two classes were so helpful. The networking class helped with resume writing suggestions as well as mock interviews, job leads, open discussions, and more. I worked one on one with a job developer to improve my presentation during interviews, we worked on learning how to keep a job log of job leads to follow up on and their results, we went to job fairs, wrote thank you letters to employers for interviewing me, and so much more.
Now, was this easy, no, was this fun, no. The reason is that it takes time to really find a job, especially now with the job market being so tough to get in to. It makes it even harder to do with a disability. That's why the help of Goodwill was so essential to my job placement. It took five months of all the hard work I mentioned before I actually got a job. My job developer worked tirelessly to help make that happen with me, not for me. I say that because we worked together. We were a team, along with the rest of the staff who wanted to see me succeed. I think they wanted me to succeed as much as I did.
So, now I'm happily in a job at UCB (United Collection Bureau) and have been for a little over a year. With the help of my job-developer/job coach, and some great equipment, as well as the staff at UCB, I have been a productive, happy, and financially stable individual. Having a job has brought back my self confidence as well as given me the courage to apply for another position at UCB which I started back in November. I have gotten a raise and, I am learning more about the job each day. Most important, I couldn't have done it without the help of Goodwill Columbus and my employer. I'm so thankful I'm employed again. Not only that, I started volunteering at a place called Hands On Central Ohio. I set up appointments for people to pick up food at the local food pantries and I love it. I feel as though I am giving back to the community that I so proudly live in.
I was a client looking for work and came across COWIC in early 2011. During a weekly program, Goodwill of Columbus was there to lend a helping hand, through presentations, resume writing techniques and making job-seekers understand their role when applying for work. I am so thankful for their time, patience, work and sincere dedication while many of us were gearing up for the Sherwin Williams paint job in late April-May 2011. They have been an absolute blessing. I wish that I was still in Columbus, OH to see how they are coming along since helping me. I have since then moved back to Chicago, in my first year of grad school and on my way to a new career. Thank you so much and blessings.
There is a long list of options provided via Goodwill Columbus and participants have a very positive impression of their experience as well. The staff is well trained and very motivated to make a difference.
I have been fortunate enough to meet many people helped by Goodwill, particularly in the area of workforce development. Lonnie Willis Jr. is one example who gained the confidence and the social acceptance needed to thrive in his job and create stability for his family. At each Board meeting, we meet another resident/client and family member who has succeeded in life thanks to the many services of Goodwill, and I am touched by how their quality of life has been enhanced. The prom done for Sage services and the art classes for all clients, these are incredible avenues that allow indviduals to express themselves and feel part of a larger complex world.
Goodwill's training program is fantastic! During 2011 Goodwill had 525 program participants that received wages, including 200 that were placed in competitive emplyment opportunities and 146 employed by Goodwill itself. While Goodwill has a number of business lines, I can attest that, having served on the Board and various committees for the last several years, it's really all about the mission.
Until I joined the Goodwill Columbus board two years ago, I was not aware of all the good work that contributes to the overall mission. I have been particularly impressed with all the stories I have heard from people who are so proud of the skills they have developed and the way they are now contributing. Their pride extends to their level of independence and the support they are providing for their families. The graduation ceremony I attended was evidence of how many people Goodwill is preparing for the workforce, so they can be contributing to society as opposed to being a drain on public assistance. This is one small way of getting our economy moving and everybody wins.
I've been out of work ,for awhile Goodwill Staff has given additional training cause struck one job lead me behind. They have a great staff who all people who is asking for their help to succed as well.Thank you! Goodwill Industries of Central Ohio.
As a member of the Goodwill Columbus Service Board for 20+ years, and a member of the Goodwill Board of Directors for 10 years, I have observed at close hand numerous clients attend their graduation from the Goodwill programs with a job in hand as they leave our doors. They have new skills, they have been coached on their responsibilities and will continue to be, if needed. The success stories shared by "keynote speakers", i.e., previous graduates are inspiring. Goodwill has close relationships with area businesses, and many of those come to Goodwill asking for our graduates based on their experiences with former Goodwill students. GWC (Goodwill Cols) strives to find out what the student would like to do, and if possible, find a way that they can be trained to do this job. The management and program staff constantly strives to find out the needs of our business community, and make sure graduates have the skills and tools to do those jobs in an ever-changing and competitive marketplace. GWC has a Business Advisory Counsel composed of business people in the community who advise our staff and help train our students. They practice interviewing techniques with students and do role playing with them before they head out for their real life interviews. The staff truly desires to make sure their graduates are fully equipped to succeed. What more could you ask for? I've been proud and happy to be associated with GWC for many years.
Goodwill has an amazing mission. The independence they bring to their community is outstanding. Everyone from the bottom up displays their own dedication to Goodwill’s cause. It is a true sign of an excellent organization.
Goodwill continuously provides volunteers with great opportunities to give back in the local community. I have personally volunteered in bowling and the art studio. Their mission of empowering individuals with disabilities and other barriers is great. I loved the interaction i had with their consumers. It was a great experience.
The best way to describe what Goodwill does to help others with their life comes from the mouth of a person who received training and help there. He states, "Goodwill Columbus changed my life and offered a lifeline when there was nowhere else to turn. I will be forever grateful."
Goodwill Industries continually provides oppurtunities for volunteers and those they serve avenues to interact and create rewarding experiences for both parties. I have participated in bowling events, camping trips, art studio activities and each time Im there I feel as those Im the one that has really benefited from giving my time. Goodwill is truly focused on their clients and is constantly trying to improve their existing services and evaluating new ways to serve their clients to ensure they are truly empowering those individuals with disabilities and other barriers