It’s more than a SNAP work requirement.

It’s an opportunity.

Let Goodwill help you find a good job.

Goodwill Big Bend and the Georgia DFCS SNAP Works Program* are working together to help you find a job and a career. Goodwill has removed barriers to employment for more than 4,000 people in the last five years alone. And we want to help you, too. To get started, schedule an intake appointment by emailing us or just come by the Thomasville Goodwill Community Career Center.

Get help improving your chances with hiring managers by:

• Building your employability skills.
• Earning credentials that employers value.
• Getting free résumé writing and job placement assistance.
• Receiving supportive services like “clothing for work” gift cards and transportation assistance.
• Finding jobs in hospitality, I.T., warehouse, healthcare, custodial, construction and more.
• Benefiting from Goodwill’s connections with local employers.
• Joining the 84% of Goodwill/SNAP recipients who have already found good jobs.

By matching your skills with the right job, we can help you do more than meet a work requirement. We can put you on the road to independence.

To get started, schedule an intake appointment by emailing us or just come by the Thomasville Goodwill Career Center.

Email snap@gwcareercampus.com for more details on who can apply and how to enroll.

*DFCS SNAP Works Program is an equal opportunity provider.

Thousands of people are released from prison each year in Florida. Many more are released from local jails or are on community control. While people with criminal backgrounds can face a harder-than-average time finding a job, there are several things you can do to give yourself an advantage. Goodwill can help. People with criminal backgrounds have resources and opportunities to gain the advantage and work in high demand, high wage jobs without waiting to get a college degree.

If you are between 18 and 24 and live in Leon county after having justice system involvement, apply to become involved in Goodwill’s Ignite Program.

• Goodwill’s Ignite Program is a grant funded program that will enroll 110 young adults in northwest Florida who have justice system involvement and are between 18 and 24 years old.
• The Ignite Program collaborates with many community providers and Tallahassee Community College to provide wrap around services and educational training programs.
• Complete the Inquiry Form for more information.

Does Goodwill Industries – Big Bend require background checks for employment?

• Yes, as an organization that deals with vulnerable populations, Goodwill runs background checks. Typically, the background check is completed after a job offer is made.
• Goodwill is interested in helping individuals who want to increase their self-sufficiency. It is important to be honest on your application.
• Goodwill is both a retail operation and a social service agency. You are welcome to apply directly online for open positions. However, if you participate in program services, you may increase your job opportunities at Goodwill.
• Services are provided at our Career Centers.

If I am incarcerated now, what can I do?

• Get Started Now You don’t have to wait until you’re released from prison or jail to begin preparing for your next job. Take advantage of education or work programs available in your facility. If you have an opportunity to work on your GED, that’s a step in the right direction. Not only will you gain skills that increase your chance of finding a job, you’ll also show future employers your commitment to bettering yourself. Plus, the connections you make could earn you the referral or recommendation that convinces an employer needs to give you a chance.
• Make a Good First Impression If you have the opportunity to attend a job fair or interview with an employer, be as professional in your appearance as possible, including wearing conservative clean clothing, and a fresh haircut and shave. Goodwill and other thrift stores offer very affordable shopping locations for job search and work clothing.
• Be Honest about Your Background If you are asked about your background, be honest and straightforward. Avoid giving lengthy explanations, which may sound like excuses to an employer. Take responsibility for what happened and then use the opportunity to explain what you learned and the positive changes you’ve made since that time.
• Focus on Your Positive Attributes Talk about the positive qualities and skills that you can bring to the organization. Employers want to hire the best person for the job, and if you can prove your abilities, they may be willing to overlook your criminal record.
• Network Yourself to Your Next If you make a good first impression with an employer you meet face-to-face, he or she may be willing to give you a chance they otherwise wouldn’t have if they only saw your application or résumé.

Most importantly, don’t feel like you have to tackle this all on your own. At Goodwill, we believe that everyone deserves a second chance. Many local agencies offer services to men, women and youth who have served time and are trying to get their lives back on track.

America’s Heroes:

Goodwill has been serving veterans for over 100 years, helping America’s heroes transition from active duty to civilian life. We can help promote the leadership, teamwork, and efficiency skills you developed in the military, and capitalize on your familiarity with following orders and the chain of command.

We offer…
Skills & Abilities Assessments
Interests & Aptitude Assessments
Education & Career Skills Training
Office Skills & Computer Training
Job Development for Disabled Vets

Active Duty Service Members and their families:

We know that when one family member enlists, the entire family serves. Goodwill offers a variety of family strengthening and financial wellness training programs that serve the entire family.
We are proud to partner with Eglin Air Force Base to provide short-term training for military family members that lead to nationally recognized credentials.

You can also take advantage of GW Career Campus to update your skills anytime, anyplace.

If you or a loved one has a disability, we can provide customized services to help you. Goodwill is committed to helping people make the most of their abilities and move beyond a job into a career. Our employment and support services are targeted to your specific needs to help you obtain and keep a competitive job.

What is Ticket to Work?

The Ticket to Work (Ticket) program is a free and voluntary program that can help Social Security beneficiaries go to work, get a good job that may lead to a career, and become financially independent, all while they keep their Medicare or Medicaid. Individuals who receive Social Security benefits because of a disability and are age 18 through 64 probably already qualify for the program.

The Ticket to Work program provides work incentives and allows you to keep your benefits while you explore employment, receive job training and gain work experience. If you are age 18 through 64 and receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) you already qualify! To figure out if Ticket to Work may be right for you, click here.

What You Receive

• Individualized career counseling, personalized work plan, and analysis of impact on your medical benefits for returning to work
• Pre and post-employment services
• Three to five years of support during program enrollment
• Potential waiver of medical review (CDR) by Social Security
• Work incentives for SSDI and SSI beneficiaries are built into the program to provide support for cash and medical benefits

Requirements

• Must be between 18 and 64 years of age
• Currently receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits

We want to do more than just help you find a job; we want to help you find your future! We believe that being active in the work force provides more than a paycheck – it builds confidence. We want to help you reach your fullest potential!

Goodwill Industries- Big Bend, Inc. is a vendor for vocational rehabilitation services and contracts with the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency. If you are interested in receiving your vocational rehabilitation services from Goodwill Industries, please contact your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Once your DVR Counselor sends us a referral, we will be able to work with you!

Contact the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation at (800) 451-4327. Contact the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency at (229) 225-4045.

If you have already been referred to Goodwill Industries- Big Bend, Inc. for services which were interrupted by COVID-19, please search your email for correspondence from your Employment Specialist.