United Way of Collier and the Keys awards nearly $30K to Goodwill's community services and VITA

NAPLES, Fla. - July 9, 2021 - PRLog -- Goodwill Community Resource Centers (CRCs) help people who are often overlooked and struggling to afford basic needs. Many CRC clients require one-on-one assistance because of barriers with language and/or technology, and can have an improved standard of living because of the help they receive.

The United Way of Collier and the Keys has awarded $18,750 to support the CRC in Collier County and the Mobile CRC, which is a van fitted with computer stations and can serve residents in areas where transportation is a barrier.

Goodwill CRC staff help meet each client's needs, tackling the most critical first (food, shelter) and preparing them for an improved future (employment, training, certificates). They help clients create resumes, complete job applications, improve interviewing skills, and provide job coaching so they can seek, apply, and keep jobs. The Coordinators establish relationships with local businesses and search for job vacancies, and they assist clients in accessing unemployment assistance, health insurance, food stamps, and much more.

Since many people seeking assistance are limited in their job opportunities, Goodwill CRCs offer digital training and vocational training that can lead to nationally-recognized certificates. These certificates increase clients' employability and income.

Goodwill was also awarded $10,000 to help during the VITA Season. Giancarlos Castano, the Goodwill Mobile CRC coordinator, received training from the IRS and used the Mobile CRC to help 100 people in Collier County prepare and e-file their 2020 federal tax returns.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is a United Way-run program that offers free tax help to the ALICE members of Collier and Monroe Counties, those making less than $57,000 or less annually. https://unitedwayofcolliercounty.org/programs/vita/

Goodwill SWFL Community Services for Collier County are available at the Naples Towne Center and through the Mobile CRC. For more information on Goodwill services, visit www.goodwillswfl.org.