Palmetto Goodwill

Palmetto goodwill provided career navigation services to more than 11,000 unemployed or underemployed individuals. The organization provided job readiness training, career exploration services, and occupational skills training to nearly 4,000 individuals through its network of career opportunity centers, online training providers, technical school network, and other training providers to prepare individuals for in-demand careers in the fields of (1) health care and social assistance, (2) information technologies, (3) industrial trades, (4) retail trade, (5) transportation and warehousing. In addition to training, palmetto goodwill provided supportive services, including rent, mortgage, utility assistance, clothing vouchers, furniture vouchers, bus passes, and other transportation needs.

Palmetto goodwill expanded its i-can program for individuals returning from incarceration to the grand strand regions of south carolina. Through this expansion, 121 individuals received much needed support and stabilization services such as transitional housing support, assistance in obtaining identification documents needed for employment, food access, transportation assistance and family reunification support. Program participants also received two weeks of intensive employability skills training to prepare them for employment. Following this training, participants were provided with 12 weeks of transitional employment with palmetto goodwill where they further developed positive work behaviors and occupational skills as well as the development of a positive work reference. Upon completion of the 12 weeks of transitional employment, participants could pursue one of three pathways: 1) continued employment with palmetto goodwill 2) job placement support with another employer in the community and/or 3) funded occupational skills training in a demand occupation. Through this program, palmetto goodwill disrupts the cycle of incarceration and provide a bright future to returning citizens.