## Goodwill of Orange County ##

As Unemployment Rises, Goodwill Helps People Find Jobs
Job Placement Services Are Needed Now More than Ever

Santa Ana, CA -- The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently announced that California’s unemployment rate rose to 10.5 percent. At Goodwill of Orange County, a community based organization whose mission is helping people gain employment, the hard times are being felt by a growing number of people reaching out to Goodwill for assistance. Since January, the organization has seen an increase in the number of people seeking services, as well as an influx of local men and women who have recently become unemployed. To date over 2,650 individuals have received education, training or employment services from Goodwill of Orange County.

As one of the leading nonprofit providers of employment training and job placement services, Goodwill takes a comprehensive approach to helping people find and keep jobs. “In California where unemployment rates are among the highest across the country it’s becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with the demand,” says Dan Rogers, president and CEO of Goodwill of Orange County. “During these tough economic times, Goodwill can help retrain people with new skills and gain the self confidence and sense of dignity that work can give. Currently the average wage for Goodwill trained workers including placements and supported employment is at $9.17 an hour.”

Goodwill helps educate, train and employ people with disabilities, as well as those who lack education or work experience. Goodwill’s workforce development experts customize a plan for each individual, based on his or her skills and interest. The organization provides the person with the necessary job training and support so he or she can be successful in their career. Goodwill helps people find jobs in a variety of fields including health care, food service, custodial, and clerical services. Over 60 local companies hire Goodwill trained workers and Goodwill of Orange County places individuals in its own social enterprises that include its 18 retail stores, E-waste Solutions, Document Destruction, Packaging and Assembly and Custodial services.

“When people donate used goods, shop, make a financial gift or select one of our many businesses services at Goodwill, they make an important economic investment in the community,” says Rogers. “Ninety-one cent of every dollar spent goes directly to fund programs to help local individuals and families gain greater independence. Goodwill of Orange County is ready to support the unemployed and underserved by continuing its 85-year tradition of helping people who are having a hard time finding meaningful work.”

About Goodwill of Orange County

Goodwill of Orange County is a nonprofit organization with its Main Campus located at 410 North Fairview in Santa Ana. Goodwill of Orange County has consistently received a four-star rating, based on organizational efficiency and organizational capacity from Charity Navigator, America's premier independent charity evaluator. For more information on Goodwill of Orange County and its education, training and employment programs and services, please contact Katherine Ransom, Communications Manager at (714) 547-6308 ext. 308 or katheriner@ocgoodwill.org. Information can also be found at www.ocgoodwill.org

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