Every September, National Workforce Development Month recognizes the organizations and professionals dedicated to helping individuals build brighter futures through employment, education, and skills training. At Goodwill Southwest Florida (Goodwill SWFL), that mission is at the heart of everything we do.
As Goodwill SWFL celebrates 60 years of service, it continues to be much more than a thrift store. Revenue generated through the sale of donated goods directly funds programs and services that help individuals overcome barriers to employment, develop valuable skills, and achieve greater economic independence. Across Southwest Florida, Goodwill’s workforce development initiatives are strengthening and supporting communities.
BUILDING PATHWAYS TO EMPLOYMENT
Finding and keeping a job requires more than submitting an application. Many job seekers face obstacles such as limited digital skills, transportation challenges, language barriers, or a lack of confidence navigating today’s workforce.
To help address these challenges, Goodwill SWFL operates seven Community Resource Centers (CRCs) throughout the region. These centers provide free, personalized services designed to help individuals gain the skills, resources, and support needed to secure and maintain meaningful employment.
Services include:
- Résumé development and interview preparation
- Computer literacy training
- English as a Second Language (ESL) classes
- Employability skills workshops
- Online job search and application assistance
- ACCESS Florida support
- Affordable Care Act enrollment assistance
- Free tax preparation through VITA in partnership with United Way
A cornerstone of these efforts is Goodwill’s Opportunity Accelerator framework, which helps individuals identify and overcome barriers that may be preventing them from reaching their employment and career goals. Through personalized assessments, career planning, skills training, and connections to community resources, participants are equipped with the tools needed to move toward long-term self-sufficiency.
BRINGING RESOURCES DIRECTLY TO COMMUNITIES
Transportation remains one of the most significant barriers to employment in Southwest Florida. To help bridge that gap, Goodwill SWFL’s Mobile Community Resource Center delivers workforce development services directly to underserved communities.
Equipped with six computer workstations, internet access, and wheelchair accessibility, the mobile unit allows residents to access employment assistance, career resources, digital skills training, and other vital services closer to home.
COMPREHENSIVE AND SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
Goodwill SWFL’s Comprehensive Employment Services offer individualized, person-centered employment coaching for individuals with disabilities. Available through referrals from the Florida Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, the program helps participants identify career goals, develop workplace skills, and achieve success in competitive employment.
Services include:
Employment Services
Comprehensive employment services support individuals with disabilities who may face barriers to entering or succeeding in the workforce. Participants receive assistance with workplace readiness, job placement, and job coaching to help them obtain and maintain employment.
Supported Employment
Supported Employment includes all the services offered through Employment Services, along with ongoing, long-term support designed to help individuals achieve continued success and stability in the workplace.
On-The-Job Training
On-The-Job Training (OJT) provides participants with hands-on work experience in a real workplace environment. These experiences help individuals explore career interests, develop valuable job skills, learn employer expectations, build confidence, and strengthen workplace habits.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE ACROSS SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
At a time when many individuals continue to face challenges securing stable, well-paying employment, workforce development programs are more important than ever. Goodwill SWFL remains committed to helping local residents gain the skills, confidence, and support needed to succeed in today’s evolving job market. Each year, approximately 25,000 people receive services through Goodwill Southwest Florida’s programs.
Community Resource Centers continue to provide practical workforce development opportunities. For example, the Lehigh Acres Community Resource Center hosts Employability Workshops on Wednesdays, Computer Skills Training on Thursdays, and Online Job Application Assistance on Fridays, helping residents build skills that lead directly to employment opportunities.
SUCCESS STORY: MISS SORIA’S JOURNEY TO EMPLOYMENT
When Miss Soria first visited the Bonita Springs Community Resource Center, she was searching for employment but lacked confidence in her technology skills.
Working alongside Community Resource Coordinator Daisy, Miss Soria received comprehensive support, including assistance with online job applications, résumé updates, interview preparation, and required job certifications, including CPR training. Through continued access to Goodwill’s computer lab and one-on-one guidance, her confidence steadily grew.
Her perseverance soon paid off. After receiving calls from prospective employers, Miss Soria successfully secured not one, but two caregiver positions.
Today, she is thriving in a profession she loves and enjoys increased confidence, stability, and independence.
“I am so grateful for the help I received,” Miss Soria shared. “They helped me every step of the way and now I have two jobs doing what I love.”
SUCCESS STORY: ALVARO’S PATH TO CAREER GROWTH
In July 2025, Alvaro enrolled in Goodwill SWFL’s Opportunity Accelerator Program with a goal of advancing his career. While working in Goodwill’s Ecommerce Jewelry Department, he dedicated himself to expanding his technical knowledge and digital skills.
Through the program, Alvaro earned nine Northstar Digital Literacy certifications and completed the AI Essentials course through Coursera. The training strengthened his technical capabilities and prepared him for new opportunities.
His dedication led to a promotion to IT Computer Technician, a position better aligned with his long-term career goals and accompanied by increased earnings.
Alvaro credits the AI training with helping him better understand how to use emerging technologies efficiently and effectively. His supervisor, Jaylen, noted that Alvaro’s ability to leverage AI tools has helped streamline processes, improve productivity, and save valuable time.
Today, Alvaro is building a career he is passionate about and serves as a powerful example of how workforce development programs can create opportunities for advancement and economic mobility.
INVESTING IN PEOPLE, STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES
National Workforce Development Month provides an opportunity to recognize the programs, professionals, and partnerships that help individuals overcome barriers and realize their potential. At Goodwill Southwest Florida, workforce development is more than a service. It is a commitment to empowering people, strengthening communities, and creating pathways to lasting success.
Whether someone is looking for their first job, getting back into the workforce, or taking the next step in their career, Goodwill SWFL is there to provide the support and resources needed to succeed. When people have access to the right opportunities, they can build brighter futures for themselves and their families.
To learn more about Goodwill Southwest Florida’s workforce development programs and services, visit http://www.goodwillswfl.org.
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