Goodwill of North Georgia + Easterseals of North Georgia | 2Gen Pilot
Goodwill of North Georgia knocks down barriers for people with disabilities, veterans, people receiving public benefits, returning citizens (persons who were previously incarcerated), non-custodial parents, senior citizens, justice-involved youth, and people who are unhoused. They provide career training in high-demand fields, job placement services, and job retention support at zero cost to the jobseeker. At 14 career centers, Goodwill provides free access to job search resources including computers, résumé writing tools, job listings, employment seminars, and software training. Jobseekers have access to their own case manager, career navigator, employment specialist, career pathways coach, and career training in high-demand industries including IT, medical billing & coding, cyber security, construction, forklift, floor technology, custodial, logistics, supply chain, and much more.
Easterseals North Georgia provides essential services and on-the-ground support to nearly 5,000 children from birth to age five across 44 counties encompassing metropolitan Atlanta and Northeast Georgia—offering comprehensive early education and care programs, early intervention therapy and mental health services, family support initiatives, autism services, a Foster Grandparents program, and direct financial assistance through the Champions for Children program.
In the spring of 2023, Goodwill of North Georgia (GNG) and Easterseals North Georgia (ESNG) proposed a two-generation pilot program. Over the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years, the pilot is offering support to unemployed and underemployed parents and their children at ESNG sites in Dekalb and Fulton counties. With the support of the Liz Blake Giving Fund, the goal is to enroll parents with children at ESNG into either a career training program offered by GNG or into a Child Development Associate program offered by ESNG at zero cost to the program participant. The funding will support career coaches, family navigators and employment training programs—addressing a critical need for parents to earn a living wage while ensuring that their children receive quality childcare. Participants will receive career training in high-demand industries, including IT, medical billing and coding, cybersecurity, construction, forklift operation, floor technology, custodial services, logistics and supply chain management, and more.
In the 2023-2024 class, 7 of 11 participants graduated the program. Each has completed job search plans to explore employment interests and are working closely with the Field Employment Specialist at GNG to secure employment. The seven graduates have submitted applications for various roles across banking, school, retail and administrative sectors and Goodwill of North Georgia alongside Easterseals North Georgia continue to actively support them in finding the best opportunities that align with their skills and goals.
Ultimately, the program aims to boost adult earnings, reduce reliance on public aid, and improve outcomes for parents and their children by offering free career training in this 2Gen program..
2024 Graduates of 2Gen Pilot Program
