• Goodwill Industries of Acadiana's Job Connection is an information and referral program that is a gateway to services for persons in search of employment and resources.

• The services provided under the umbrella of Job Connection can help individuals overcome multiple barriers to securing and retaining employment.

• Job Connection was established in 1990 and provides work readiness and placement services to unemployed and under employed individuals. These services are offered at no charge to anyone seeking employment
  

Adult GED Preparation

Through a partnership with the Lafayette Parish School Board, a certified adult Education instructor is provided for free GED preparation classes which meet twice a week at Goodwill's Kaliste Saloom location.

Work Readiness Program

Goodwill's Work Readiness Program (WRP) is designed to identify and address an individual's barriers to success. Course objectives are to increase work awareness and positive work habits and attitudes that assist the participant in demonstrating and understanding the world of work and employer expectations.

Crisis Assistance

Goodwill donates thousands of dollars in merchandise to hundreds of individuals in crisis who are participating in a Goodwill or affiliated program. During hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Goodwill partnered with Acadiana Outreach and opened a relief center which served over 8,000 people, giving away over 300,000 pieces of donated clothing and household items. Youth Empowerment and Success The Youth Empowerment & Success Program (Y.E.S.) is a job readiness program funded through Louisiana Rehabilitation Services serving St. Martin, Lafayette and Iberia Parishes. Y.E.S. helps individuals between the ages of 16-21 address their vocational, educational and training needs.

Activities include identifying and finding solutions to employment barriers, career exploration, learning effective job search and interviewing techniques, resume and cover letter writing, job placement and follow-up services, and learning the skills needed to keep a job once employed.

Pathways to Success

Pathways to Success is a pilot program in collaboration with Louisiana Rehabilitation Services and the Lafayette Parish School System. Pathways to Success is an in-school program that assists transition students with career exploration and soft skills training in a non-traditional setting with the ultimate goal of successful job placement.

Youth Opportunity

Youth Opportunity (YO!) is a retrieval model geared towards recovering youth off the streets and into jobs and continuing education. The program targets young adults ages 17-21 years of age that have either been expelled from school, dropped out of school, or are at risk of becoming delinquent and/or adjudicated. Students receive academic remediation and instruction for the General Education Diploma (GED) and one year of follow-up service.