Davenport Mayor Mike Matson, (second from far left), Goodwill CEO and President Pat Airy (center), join the career center staff and Quad Cities Chamber ambassadors for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new location at NorthPark Mall. CREDIT APRIL SCOTT
Goodwill of the Heartland celebrated its latest expansion – a relocated career center at Davenport’s NorthPark Mall – with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, Jan. 26. Hosted by the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce, the event marked the grand opening of the Goodwill’s new Career and Support Services Center, located inside the mall at 320 W. […]
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Goodwill of the Heartland celebrated its latest expansion – a relocated career center at Davenport’s NorthPark Mall – with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, Jan. 26.Hosted by the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce, the event marked the grand opening of the Goodwill’s new Career and Support Services Center, located inside the mall at 320 W. Kimberly Road. The services and programs, which previously had been housed in Goodwill’s offices on Davenport’s 35th Street, relocated to NorthPark in December. The new center is next to Von Maur department store.“We are really excited to be in this location and we have lots of free services to community members to help them improve their skills and get better jobs, so they can really help with the family sustaining income," said Goodwill of the Heartland President and CEO Pat Airy. Among the other dignitaries on hand was Davenport Mayor Mike Matson, several chamber ambassadors as well as Goodwill staff and guests. Goodwill got its start more than 100 years ago when Edgar J. Helms, who grew up in Iowa, introduced the philosophy of a “a hand up, not charity.” For 50 years, Goodwill of the Heartland has honored that creed in southeastern Iowa and western Illinois. Goodwill of the Heartland, with several store locations in the Quad Cities, now is headquartered in Cedar Rapids. According to the organization, it works to empower people to find a job, get job training and career service as well as learn about good careers and how to advance in them, build functional life skills and work toward greater levels of independence. Brent Watkins, Goodwill marketing director, said the career and service center helps a wide range of people including homeless military veterans, people who face physical or emotional barriers, and high school students looking for their first work experience.Goodwill’s service centers have in-house employment specialists who work with local businesses to find great jobs for their clients. “I am delighted to be able to expand our services to the Quad Cities area and continue our mission to help people find education, training, and fulfillment through the power of work,” said Mr. Watkins. Applauding the center’s opening in his city, Mr. Matson said “I hope people who are looking for assistance, for jobs and veterans can get the help they need. There are a lot of folks with similar situations. Some are down on their luck; others don’t know where to turn and need advice or help to get back up on their feet and Goodwill is one of those places.”“We are very appreciative of having the Goodwill Career and Service Center staying in Davenport, Iowa, and welcome them,” he said. According to information from Goodwill, 88 cents of every dollar goes directly back into Goodwill’s career and service center mission. The ratio reflects the high priority placed on improving the lives of those who need help. Goodwill’s People Services provide employment training with programs in retail, hospitality, food handling, essential computer skills, IT Support, professional and custodial certification programs. In addition, Goodwill’s support center offers a day habilitation program Monday through Friday to help people with disabilities and other barriers to more fully experience their community, build social and daily living skills and increase their independence. Day habilitation services are offered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and the Quad Cities.
