Goodwill Industries Celebrates 1-year Anniversary in Waterloo Road Facility

Mayor Don Plusquellic receives a symbolic check from Joel Rus, president of Goodwill Industries of Akron. The amount on the check represents the combined income of all persons placed in jobs in the Akron area by Goodwill last year. The check was presented at Goodwill headquarters on E. Waterloo Road during the mayor's weekly news conference.

Akron, Ohio – During Goodwill Industries of Akron’s first year at the 570 E. Waterloo Road headquarters, more than 4,000 members of the community were provided a variety of job training and placement services to achieve their goals in the workforce. Today, Goodwill President Joel E. Rus presented a check to City of Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic for $5,860,108.80. The total represents the combined average annual income earned by Goodwill consumers placed in the workforce throughout this anniversary year. "Our new building provides state-of-the-art working facilities, classrooms and equipment, giving our consumers the professional atmosphere they deserve," said Rus.

The new building has lent itself to better communication. An improved floor plan makes it easier for consumers to access a wide range of services, meet confidentially with Goodwill staff members and excel in a positive work environment. With an increase in efficient workspace and updated technology, Goodwill employees are equipped with the tools necessary to provide quality services.

"Traditionally, Goodwill has been a major player in the workforce development of this region," said Rus. "We now have the capacity to enhance those strengths and serve more people with their occupational needs."

The agency moved to its new location in June 2000 after the University of Akron purchased the building on Mill Street.

"When the Board of Trustees was approached by the University to sell our former building, it was a great opportunity for Goodwill," said Board President Dr. Mary Beth Kluge. "We made the commitment to build a new, improved facility in a great location. Keeping with our mission, this move allows us to expand our involvement with the community."

Goodwill serves a universal population inside the 111,000 square-foot structure, including people who are unemployed, under-employed, dislocated or down-sized workers, those needing job search skills or new to the workforce.

With the mission of removing any barriers that may prevent someone from obtaining meaningful employment, Goodwill works diligently with each individual to assess strengths, identify vocational goals and provide assistance with work-related issues as well as external barriers such as child care or transportation.

The agency is also embarking upon a new vision under the direction of President Joel Rus, who was hired in August 2000. This vision states "Goodwill will be the number one workforce development agency in the state of Ohio with high standards of agency performance and employee participation. Within the region, our superior service will lead to economically stronger family units, a lower dependence on public support and meaningful employment opportunities for all we serve."

"We have served many people well and look forward to further strengthening the region’s workforce by assisting even more people in reaching their vocational goals," stated Rus.

Goodwill Industries of Akron, Inc. is one of 181 Goodwill organizations in the United States, Canada and the Pacific Basin. Established in 1927, Goodwill Akron serves the six-county region of Summit, Medina, Portage, Richland, Ashland and Lorain. For more information, call (330) 724-6995.

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