Goodwill Industry Southern Rivers outlines workforce services available to Lowndes County residents

Kiara Hamilton, representing Goodwill Industry Southern Rivers, described the nonprofit’s workforce and community programs and invited county partnership to expand local services. Hamilton said Goodwill serves more than 50 counties across Georgia and Alabama and summarized services including employer recruitment support, job fairs, industry-recognized certifications (for example OSHA 10, forklift operator, CNA), a six-week career coaching program, free tax preparation, financial literacy workshops, a home-buyer program for low-income individuals, bilingual services and summer youth programs. She described two scholarship programs: two $500 community scholarships given twice per year and a GAP scholarship to cover tuition shortfalls for clients who enroll in training. Hamilton said services are free to eligible people age 14 and up, funded primarily by revenue from donated items sold in Goodwill stores; she stated that approximately 98.5% of store-generated revenue is reinvested in the communities Goodwill serves. Commissioners and staff asked about location and partnership opportunities; Hamilton said her office in Valdosta is next to Hobby Lobby and asked to be included in county workforce planning and outreach.