Goodwill Industries of greater New York and Northern NJ, Inc.

Agency Name/Address:
Goodwill Industries of Greater NY and Northern NJ, Inc.
4-21 27th Avenue
Astoria, NY 11102 

Agency Contact Name: 
View contact sheet.
        
Nature and Purpose of Agency:
Goodwill Industries of Greater NY and Northern NJ, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation providing services for 75,000 persons a year with disabilities and other barriers to employment.  It is a community-based human services organization headquarted in Astoria, Queens, with 65 programs at 32 sites in each of the five boroughs of New York City, Northern NJ and Long Island.

Goodwill’s mission is “to provide people with disabilities and other work-related disadvantages the means to achieve lifelong economic and social independence.”  Edgar Helms, founder of Goodwill’s emphasizes Goodwill Inc. is “not charity, but a chance.”          

Tasks Available for Students:

  • Programs for Persons with Disabilities – evaluate participants abilities, teach work related skills, provide educational, computer and office skills training; deaf services; continuing day treatment and clubhouses for persons who are mentally ill; and a program to help women achieve stability who have a history of substance abuse and were recently released from prison.
  • Workforce Development Programs – access skills, train in work readiness, offer job search help and supply training.
  • Youth Programs – focus on keeping youth on track and in school to help achieve the path to success; after school services in eight locations; a high school program of academic support and enrichment, career exploration, summer day camps and a program increasing understanding among youth and police.
  • Community Programs – work in a family learning center offering basic education, GED, ESL and computer classes to adults; an after school program of academics and recreation for youth, and care in an enriched setting for toddlers while parents are in class.
  • Stores and Contract Services – provide vocational education while helping to produce income that supports Goodwill programs.  Goodwill’s stores and processing centers of donated goods serve as a training ground and place of employment for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment.

Time Requirements:
A commitment of at least 15 hours.

Student Awareness/Special Instructions:
Rehab requires fingerprinting through the Office of Mental Health (no charge).
Working with children – requires fingerprinting through the Board of Ed.
Please call for additional requirements.

Agency Directions:
Car:  Grand Central Parkway West to Hoyt Ave exit (which now states Exit 31st Street – last exit before the toll).  Get off at Hoyt Avenue and once you get off the exit remain in the right lane.  Continue through several lights to 21st St.  Make a left on 21st St.  At the third light make a right onto 27th Ave.  Travel approximately ½ mile up 27th and Goodwill will be on the right – next to Jamaica Hospital.  (4-21 27th Ave.)