WayFinder: Where Are They Now?
A look into the success of WayFinder Innovation Grant programs
A few members of our Community Impact team recently had the opportunity to visit Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma‘s Virtual Reality Training Center.
Goodwill is a 2021 WayFinder Innovation Grant recipient. The agency received $100,000 from United Way of Central Oklahoma for their unique job training program that cannot be found anywhere else in central Oklahoma.
Their center has created more career opportunities than could have ever been imagined.
Goodwill has five forklift simulators that allow individuals to learn essential skills when working in a warehouse. The technology was impressive to United Way staff who tried out the simulators, as it is a real-world operating experience.
Because of the success of the program, Goodwill is now seeking partnerships for curriculum and job certification in warehouse management. Many youth have taken to the simulators, strengthening youth employment services.
The simulators have also opened doors to other training opportunities, such as practice interviews. Goodwill is hopeful to continue the growth success by hiring more staff to train clients. The agency is also forging relationships with The Kickapoo Nation to grow further connections and take the forklift training to new heights.
We’re so proud to call Goodwill a Partner Agency.
