Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Empowering Employment and Community Growth in Akron
Since 1927, Goodwill Industries-Akron has been dedicated to empowering individuals through employment opportunities and community support. Our mission focuses on helping people prepare for, find, and retain employment, addressing barriers such as disabilities, unemployment, and economic hardship. With over 95 years of experience, we combine vocational training, technology certifications, and emergency assistance programs to foster self-sufficiency. Our workforce development programs, funded by retail operations and community partnerships, have served over 15,000 individuals annually. We emphasize the transformative power of work, reducing public assistance dependency and strengthening families.Governed by a local board, we operate across five counties, offering career counseling, job placement, and digital skills training. Our commitment to transparency and ethical practices ensures trust, while our volunteer and donation programs engage the community in our mission. Through initiatives like the Elizabeth Clark Emergency Fund and bus pass assistance, we address immediate needs while building long-term solutions. Our history of innovation, from radio reading services to online learning platforms, reflects our adaptability to evolving community needs. By reinvesting 92 cents of every dollar into programs, we ensure sustainable impact and measurable outcomes.
Services
Career Counseling
Technology Certifications
Online Learning
Emergency Fund
Bus Pass Assistance
Volunteer Programs
Radio Reading Services
Details
- Year established: 1927
Highlights and features
- We have over 95 years of experience in workforce development
- We offer free job training and placement services
- Our technology certifications partner with Google for career advancement
- We provide emergency financial assistance for critical needs
- Our programs serve over 15,000 individuals annually
What people say
Life-changing job training
Emergency fund support
Comprehensive certifications
Dedicated staff
Community impact
Services
Career Counseling
Our personalized career counseling helps individuals identify strengths and create actionable employment plans. We assess work experience, abilities, and goals to map realistic career trajectories. Clients receive ongoing support for both short-term and long-term professional development.
Technology Certifications
Google-powered technology certifications build in-demand skills for IT, cybersecurity, and digital marketing careers. Programs include IT support, data analysis, and UX design with industry-recognized certifications. Training combines self-paced learning with mentorship opportunities.
Emergency Fund
The Elizabeth Clark Emergency Fund provides gift cards for clothing, furniture, and household essentials during crises. Eligible individuals receive support once annually through verified applications. Funding comes from donor contributions and retail sales revenue.
Bus Pass Assistance
We offer bus pass programs for residents in five Ohio counties to facilitate employment access. Individual and agency bulk passes are available with eligibility requirements. Partnerships with United Way and local organizations fund this initiative.
Online Learning
Free virtual training covers employment readiness, resume building, and digital literacy. Courses include Windows navigation, Zoom usage, and email setup for career advancement. Partnerships with Accenture and GCF Global expand educational resources.
People
Nan McClenaghan
President & CEO
Leading Goodwill Industries-Akron since 2000, Nan McClenaghan brings decades of nonprofit management experience. She oversees strategic operations across five counties, focusing on workforce development and community partnerships.
Dave Binkley
Radio Reading Services Manager
Dave Binkley manages WEYE Seeing Eye Radio, serving visually impaired listeners for over 34 years. He coordinates volunteer readers and technical operations for this critical community information service.
Questions
What job training programs does Goodwill offer?
We provide career counseling, technology certifications, and vocational assessments. Programs include IT support, data analysis, and UX design with Google certifications.
How can I access emergency assistance?
Apply through our Elizabeth Clark Emergency Fund for gift cards covering clothing and household needs. Eligibility requires financial hardship verification.
Do you offer transportation help?
Bus pass programs serve Summit, Portage, Medina, Ashland, and Richland counties. Applications require agency verification and photo ID.
Are your online courses free?
Yes, all digital skills training and employment readiness courses are offered at no cost through partnerships with Accenture and GCF Global.
How does Goodwill fund its programs?
92% of revenue from retail stores and business services directly funds job training, emergency aid, and community support initiatives.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Blake Summers
Jun 09, 2022
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I visit Goodwills so much it would make Macklemore blush. It is with a heavy heart that I must now refrain from going to any of the Cleveland area Goodwills, as they do not honor their members' rewards or coupons. I used to look forward to taking a full day and touring the tri-county area spending a ton on the Cleveland area goodwills and all the great finds they had. It was always worth the journey, but alas, now I will be sticking only to my local Youngstown area stores. Perhaps these guys should take a page from their playbook on customer service and they may keep many more valuable customers such as myself in the future.
Gregory Kuss
Feb 11, 2022
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Awesome I just love this place people donate things and you get brand new stuff for less thanl a dollar.love it
Jake R.
Dec 15, 2021
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Great selection. Large shopping and parking space. Staff not very helpful and managment always seems to never be around when there is an issue. Pricing could be better especially considering the area it's in. Would go back but could improve!
Deanne Archer
Oct 19, 2021
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Much better than the other thrift stores. Friendly employees, at times great selections if you are fortunate to be there. Overall a clean well organized store. Not happy that it's Tuesday only for our discounts
