March 29, 2024

Goodwill career center open to help job seekers

Interviewing, résumé design among skill-development areas

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On many days, the Goodwill Career Connection Center at Des Moines Community College Newton Campus doesn’t need to be a bustling hub of activity.

It’s simply a place where willing members of the Jasper County workforce can quietly take advantage of some free employment-related services — and, in some cases, change their lives forever.

The center held a grand-opening ribbon-cutting ceremony in September, and its small staff has been trying to help get job seekers matched up with their best possible employers in the area.

“No two people have the same exact situation,” said the center’s coordinator, Miranda Kulis. “Some people have a license, but no car; others have cars and no licenses, and there one million different family situations.”

Kulis and the center’s only other full-time staff member, Employment Specialist Mary Beth Lawson, have one volunteer to aid them. The center offers computer training classes and workshops, ranging from basics to application of social media programs like LinkedIn.

“Basically we are a free service that assists people in preparing for, applying for and securing jobs and careers,” Kulis said. “For employers, we are a free resource to a potentially untapped candidate pool.”

Also, Kulis said one of her main duties is to arrange partnerships between employers and the clients served by Goodwill. The center placed 565 people with employers in the short time it was open in 2014.

It’s the second center of its kind in Goodwill of Central Iowa’s 22-county area. The first center is located inside of the Southridge Mall on the south side of Des Moines. More than 9,400 people utilized the Southridge center through the first nine months of 2014.

Kulis said she encounters potential workers of all ages and education levels.

“We have people as young as 14, and as old as 78, ranging from no high school to masters’ (level) and PhDs,” she said.

Kulis said some clients end up finding out they have other needs that must be addressed before a serious employment effort can begin.

“We assess clients to find out what all of their barriers might be,” she said. “These range from chemical dependency and mental health issues to transportation and criminal backgrounds.”

Some clients don’t have phones, or access to email.” Kulis said some of the clients have recently paroled from correctional facilities, or have relocated from other areas. That’s why it’s critical the services of the center be offered free of charge. Job fairs are typically held once per month, and often have about 10 employers at the center.

That cycle can be interrupted for special events, such as the April 29 event in with 163 Newton High School seniors will have a chance to practice their interview skills with representatives from several area employers. Kulis said building confidence is as important in job searching as any of the technical skills.

“Some clients are so used to hearing ‘No, no, no’ everywhere they go,” Kulis said. “It’s important to set them up with situations that will start with a positive exchange.”

Contact Jason W. Brooks at
641-792-3121 ext. 6532
or jbrooks@newtondailynews.com