Goodwill Southern Los Angeles County

HISTORY

In 1902, Reverend Edgar J. Helms initiated a movement aimed at transitioning individuals from dependency to self-sufficiency through career and work development services. By 1929, Goodwill Serving the People of Southern Los Angeles County (Goodwill SOLAC) was founded amidst the Great Depression to support out-of-work individuals and those with disabilities, celebrating over 90 years of service. Post-World War II, in 1945, Goodwill SOLAC expanded its mission to include job training and employment assistance for returning veterans, helping them reintegrate into the civilian workforce. 

Today, Goodwill SOLAC continues to serve a diverse and growing community, focusing on education, training, and job placement for low-income or no-income individuals, with 87-89% of revenue from donated goods supporting these programs.

WORKFORCE PROGRAMS 

We offer outstanding Workforce Training Programs in specific industries, including:
•Certified Nurse Assistant (adult and high school), and
•Security Guard Officer training

We also offer FREE career services at our new Career Centers located in Long Beach and Carson.

Goodwill SOLAC also partners with the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services in the following programs:

•The Long Beach Multi-Service Center provides job placement services for people experiencing homelessness.
•The Fundamentals of Fatherhood program provides employment preparedness and job placement services for fathers receiving parenting skills training.
•In partnership with Gems Uncovered and the Long Beach Trauma Center, providing a myriad of services, including job placement, for victims of human trafficking.

In partnership with the California Department of Rehabilitation and the Harbor Regional Center, our SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM provides job opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.

Testimonials: 

Emily Hernandez - 2021 Certified Nurse Assistant Graduate of the Year
"Getting to meet the incredible staff of Goodwill only reinforced that I was on the right path. I know this is my calling and Goodwill has been so instrumental in my success. The instructors were the best anyone could ask for, truly inspirational and a continued source of support."

Marlene Reed - 2022 Graduate of the Certified Nurse Assistant training program and the Computer Skills training program
"Goodwill gave me the tools that I needed. I appreciate every person who contributes to Goodwill because you are changing lives. I love my job!"

Rhiannon Acree - President, Cambrian Homecare
"When we learned that Goodwill SOLAC has this (C.N.A.) training program, we were delighted. We were eager to be a partner because we are looking for people who are trained and who have had the experience before we can put them in the home of a client.

We've been working with Goodwill since about 2007 when they first started the program. It's been a successful partnership and long term because the mission is the same. We want to help both the caregivers and the client, and so the mission to help people is the same for both companies.

The thoroughness of the training (Goodwill program) is one thing. It's a very human business we are in and flexibility is the key. And within the training they seem to learn that life is not always easy. Some of the clients have hardships and customer service is a big part of healthcare. I believe there is something in the training that makes it unique."