Goodwill Industries of Akron is a private, not-for-profit corporation, the purpose of which is to provide employment preparation, training, rehabilitation, employment and support service to persons with disabilities and/or other barriers to employment. The mission of Goodwill Industries of Akron is to help individuals prepare for, find and retain employment. Services are in response to identified community needs and are designed to help individuals reach their highest possible vocational and personal potential. Operating in the five-county region of Summit, Portage, Medina, Ashland and Richland, the Akron-based agency was established in 1927. It is a private, independent organization, operating as an affiliate member of Goodwill Industries International. Goodwill helps to directly strengthen the region’s workforce through its employment programs and indirectly through the net proceeds from its retail outlets and business services division. Goodwill Industries of Akron is governed by a local Board of Directors representative of its service territory. Goodwill Industries consists of people – employees and volunteers (Board of Directors) dedicated to working together to help people overcome barriers, reach goals and become gainfully employed. To fulfill our mission and purpose, Goodwill operates three businesses (1) retail stores; (2) an industrial contracts division; and (3) workforce development programs and services.**Distributes free bus passes to individuals with transportation barriers that are unemployed and looking for work.**
