14-03-2025
Goodwill unveils program to help young neurodivergent adults
PEORIA, Ill (WMBD) — Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois unveiled its new employment program to help young adults who are neurodivergent find jobs.
The new program, Beyond Barriers, took about two years to put together. Now the program will help these individuals find support like resume and cover letter building, mock interviews, job search assistance and more.
Lori Johnson, the director of program services with Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois, said, 'Our mission at Goodwill is to transform the donations we receive into life and job skills and education services for those in our community in need. And by that, we will help our community prosper.'
According to Austyn Harms, the Beyond Barriers program manager, the goal of the program is to help employers and the organization's clients find the best fit. She said Beyond Barriers will help 'anyone that is willing and motivated to find employment.'
Harms said, 'Some of our clients have never had any type of work experience. They've never done any type of volunteer work. So really, they're starting from the very beginning with their employment journey.'
She added, 'Things that are very common to us are not so common to some of the clients, like leaving an interview and shaking a hand and making that direct eye contact that employers look for those types of things, but not everyone knows to necessarily do that.'
Breaking Barriers connects with many organizations and schools in the area to help young adults overcome roadblocks, gain the skills they need, and receive support. This way, the organization can help young adults with autism and other neurodivergencies navigate the next step in their lives.
'The most important takeaway is just that everyone is capable of learning and capable of getting all opportunities,' Harms added.
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