Goodwill Fort Worth is providing two summer programs for youth with disabilities to obtain workplace readiness training and even work experience. Summer Earn & Learn and Camp Independence are geared to help students transition from a classroom environment to the real-world work environment.
In partnership with Texas Workforce Commission and Texas Workforce Solutions, Summer Earn & Learn creates pathways to employment for students 15-22 with disabilities. Participants receive workplace readiness training to prepare for successful employment and paid work experience to help build skills and identify future career goals. Students will be placed at 24 area businesses including Arlington Animal Shelter, the City of Fort Worth, the Omni Fort Worth Hotel, Six Flags Over Texas, University of Texas at Arlington Dining Services, Grapevine Parks and Recreation, and many more. Through Summer Earn & Learn, Goodwill Fort Worth served 128 students in 2017 and has enrolled 155 students for the 2018 program. Eligible students include those with an Individualized Education Plan or a 504 Plan.
Through the 6th annual Camp Independence, Goodwill Fort Worth and Texas Workforce Solution/Vocational Rehabilitation Services will offer Tarrant and Parker County transitional students – individuals with disabilities transitioning from high school to post-secondary education or the workforce – an opportunity to learn and adjust to the daily workplace routine. The camp will offer career exploration, independent living skills and self-advocacy instruction, completed resumes, as well as hands-on work experience at organizations like the Omni Fort Worth Hotel.
Topics will include exploring the “YOU” in work, entering the world of work, soft skills for work success and soft skills to pay the bills. Camp Independence offers three sessions – July 9-20 at Goodwill Fort Worth’s Headquarters (4005 Campus Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76119), July 23-August 3 at Goodwill Weatherford (1801 S. Main Street, Weatherford, TX 76086), and August 6-17 at Goodwill Arlington/Lamar (901 W. Lamar Blvd., Arlington, TX 76012).
ABOUT GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF FORT WORTH
Goodwill is more than a thrift store. The largest employer of people with disabilities in the world, Goodwill believes that work has the power to transform lives by building self-confidence, independence, creativity, trust and friendships. Everyone deserves this chance.
Goodwill Fort Worth’s 23 retail locations provide revenue through the sale of donated goods to support Goodwill’s mission – job training and career services for people with disabilities, such as physical or mental disabilities and other barriers to employment including lack of education or work experience and homelessness. For more information on Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth, please visit www.goodwillfortworth.org.
