Helping Teens and Young Adults Develop Job Skills

Partnership with Illinois High School Prepares Students for Success

Remember that feeling of accomplishment when you got your first job? The North Riverside Goodwill Store & Donation Center partnered with J. Sterling Morton West High School in Illinois to provide students the opportunity to learn job skills and gain life experience that will help them successfully achieve employment. 

The program supports two students per semester in developing job skills, including taking donations, sorting merchandise, salvaging items and customer service. In addition, students learn about teamwork, time management and how to communicate at work.

“Each student receives personalized training tailored to their needs,” says Marcella Ross, assistant manager at the North Riverside Goodwill Store & Donation Center. “Participants gain the advantage of experiencing hands-on work and learning the importance of working in a structured environment.”

Students work at the store and donation center two days per week. As part of the semester-long program, they also receive instruction on career readiness at school. 

“I now have the experience I need to work in a retail store,” says Cristofer, a past program participant. 

“I learned how to work in a store and assist customers,” says Angel, a past program participant. “I can use everything I learned at my next job.” 

After completing the program, students have the potential to be hired at the North Riverside Goodwill Store & Donation Center. Emmanuel is one student who was offered a part-time position as a donation attendant after completing the fall 2023 cohort. 

“Emmanuel did a fantastic job as a program participant and is thriving in his current position,” Marcella shares about her experience working with him. 

Emmanuel could not be prouder of the job skills he learned and his new position at Goodwill. “I now have a job and earn money,” Emmanuel says. “I have a bank account and get to work on the bus. I love my job!”