Power of Partnership: Goodwill and Tharros Place
At Goodwill Southeast Georgia, we believe in the power of education and opportunity. Our mission is to meet people where they are-whether that’s inside our Opportunity Centers or out in the community. That’s why our Mission Services team regularly brings training, events, and resources to partner locations to help individuals move from a job, to a better job, to a career.
Recently, LaToya D. Scott, Residential Director at Tharros Place, experienced just how customizable these services can be. Tharros Place provides shelter and support for survivors of human trafficking, offering residential services for girls ages 12-17.
“Most of the girls that we work with are in foster care. We talk about cultivating the culture of courage. So really helping our survivors become courageous and transforming their lives… helping them understand that they have control, they have choices, and it is their decision. They have that will– free will– to make the choice that is best for them.”
Ms. Scott wanted to engage Goodwill Southeast Georgia to provide life skills training, covering topics like direct deposit and resume building.
“A lot of times (the girls) think you just go to a job and somebody’s just going to go ‘here you go, here’s some work!’, but really helping them understand that being able to succeed here in the facility is just a segue into them succeeding on a job.”
The goal? To help these young women become successful adults and know where they can find help when they need it.
“Education is something no one can take away. We like partnering with Goodwill at (Tharros) because Goodwill is everywhere-after they leave (Tharros), students can continue training, or gain employment, customer service experience, or even shadow.”
60th Anniversary Stories of Impact
Since 1965, Goodwill Southeast Georgia has transformed countless lives by empowering individuals to achieve their highest potential.
The Power of Partnership
Ms. Scott praised Goodwill’s collaborative approach, working side-by-side with Tharros Place staff to build a custom curriculum.
“I was truly impressed with the work and the consistency and the communication (from the Goodwill mission team). Tharros was not just another group. We were important. Our youth are important to them. That speaks volumes to (Goodwill’s) mission, vision and values.”
The training included soft skills like respect and addressing issues such as bullying.
“It fit our girls; it was broken down in a way that they would be able to understand.”
Seeing the girls excited about training was a powerful moment.
“When you are around them, hearing the small conversations of what was said, what they learned, it really sheds light on the fact they do want to see changes, they are internalizing what they are doing and accepting the services and input from others.”
Looking Ahead
Ms. Scott hopes to expand the program, bringing back the Goodwill team to teach topics like Google AI training and resume building.
“The goal is that they leave (Tharros) with a skill they didn’t have before-including certificates and soft skills.”
She also discovered other ways Goodwill can partner-like teen-focused courses in e-commerce and a voucher program that allows girls to shop for essentials at no cost.
“I really hope people understand what they can get from working with Goodwill. It’s not just drop off your old clothes you don’t want anymore or go there and they’ll help you build your resume-there are truly classes that can help individuals change the trajectory of their lives, to become who they’ve chosen to be.”
Ms. Scott summed it up perfectly:
“Non-profit organizations, we seek help from each other, because it takes all of us to help one person grow and develop and change. That is the most important thing we can do, is know that us working together really builds the community.”
Goodwill Southeast Georgia is committed to expanding opportunities through strong community partnerships.
Want to learn more or get involved? Visit one of our 6 Opportunity Centers or explore services online. You can also call 912-446-1605 to get started.
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