Goodwill SWFL day training program receives $50,000 boost

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Sept. 24, 2021 - PRLog -- Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a grant of $50,000 from the Golisano Foundation to support Pathways to Opportunity (PTO), a day training program that provides life-changing opportunities for adults with significant intellectual and developmental disabilities who want to gain independence and empowerment and experience new opportunities.

Goodwill SWFL launched PTO in 2014 to help these adults transition from school to living as independently as possible. The program incorporates real-life training in the community to increase independence and expands the opportunities for participants to help them gain and retain daily living skills, independence and confidence, and increase their integration into their community. PTO is based in Lee County but Goodwill SWFL serves Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Hendry and Glades counties.

The program is person-centered and person-delivered. The service delivery model offers classes based on the needs and interests of the participants. Each quarter participants contribute to all aspects of class selection, content, and activities – and sign up for classes of their choice. Classes focus on education, recreation, creative expression, employment exploration, or helping them handle the consequences of COVID-19. This level of participation encourages independence and self-advocacy. Instructors design each class to build skills to achieve personal goals of self-sufficiency and assess each individual and the class to determine outcomes met. The adults work in a group setting to meet their individual interests and goals.

On April 20, 2020, PTO-2-GO launched using the distance learning delivery model so some participants may continue their life skills training from the safety of their homes. This program also provides tools to assist with mental health and overall wellness while being at home.

"We are grateful to the generosity of the Golisano Foundation. Our program is an essential part of the lives of our participants and their caregivers. Through funding from Golisano, we will be able to expand our programs and support our participants on their roads to independence," said Carolyn Johnson, Senior Vice President of Mission Services and Development.

The support of the Golisano Foundation will allow the program to expand and help cover the cost of those who privately pay.

No services were rendered, given or implied for the mentioned donation. Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc. is a registered 501(c) (3) organization. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling Toll Free (1.800.435.7352) within the State of Florida. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state.