Goodwill focuses on equal opportunities through National Disability Employment Awareness Month

PHOENIX – Each October is recognized by Congress as National Disability Employment Awareness Month in an effort to promote the important role that individuals with disabilities play within America’s work force. Goodwill Industries is the largest nonprofit provider of employment services for individuals with disabilities and other job seekers. For more than 60 years, Goodwill of Central Arizona has been providing job training and employment services to people with disabilities.

“Goodwill is committed to help individuals with disabilities reach their highest levels of independence and opportunity through the power of work,” said Jim Teter, President and CEO for Goodwill of Central Arizona. ”We also partner with local businesses to advocate the hiring and placement of individuals with disabilities so we all benefit from the skills and talents of this untapped work force.”

Goodwill strives to support equal opportunities for all individuals in the work force as we believe in the power of work to give individuals independence and long-term sustainability. For example, 86.3 percent of Goodwill Commercial Services’ direct labor employees on federal contracts through NISH have a documented, significant disability. These individuals earn an average wage of $9.40 per hour and by being employed, move out of dependent roles into taxpayer roles. Goodwill Commercial Services offers commercial landscaping and janitorial services to businesses and government agencies. All employees are insured and complete an intensive training program related to their job responsibilities as well as customer service.

“Giving individuals the chance to earn a living for themselves is extremely empowering,” said Teter. “These individuals work hard and we simply provide them with the tools and resources to find and keep jobs.”

To learn more about working with people with disabilities, visit www.goodwillaz.org

Celebrating 60 years in the Valley, Goodwill of Central Arizona is one of the oldest and largest nonprofit agencies in Arizona. Our commitment is to “Put People to Work” throughout Arizona by providing job skills training, education and career services to those with vocational disadvantages that can include physical and emotional barriers, welfare dependency, illiteracy and age. In 2007, we served 11,000 youth and adults on their quest toward self-sufficiency and placed more than 4,600 into competitive employment. For more information on Goodwill of Central Arizona visit www.goodwillaz.org.