North Louisiana, LA – Throughout October, Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana joins employers, government agencies and nonprofits in honoring the contributions of workers with disabilities by celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).

Today, with companies facing a critical need for skilled and reliable workers, Goodwill is calling on employers to consider hiring people with disabilities and adopt inclusive policies and practices in the workplace.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that just over 24.9% of Americans with disabilities participate in the labor force. That compares with more than 68.4% of people in the general population who are working.

Goodwill wants to ensure that all individuals who want to work, can work, and that they have access to services that enable them to do so. Further, people with disabilities are a dependable and valuable workforce who have higher rates of employee retention, which reduces hiring and training costs.

In 2022, Goodwill organizations across North America placed more than 155,000 people with disabilities into employment. Goodwill organizations also provide support services like rehabilitation programs for people with injuries or illnesses, occupational skills training, and job readiness and soft skills training.

To commerate the importance of this month to the community, Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana will be hosting an Inclusion Job & Resource Fair on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 from 10am to 2pm.  The event is being sponsored by Healthy Blue Louisiana.  

Goodwill’s Job Centers operates daily to assist those with disabilities find employment and help individuals gain the skills they need to move up the career ladder.  For more information, contact us today at 318-868-4701or visit www.goodwillnla.org.

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About Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana:

Founded in 1926, Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana is a nonprofit social enterprise whose mission is provide education, training and career services to individuals who face barriers, disadvantages or have a disability.  Since 2005, Goodwill has helped 50,000 achieve their full potential through the dignity and power of work.  

Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana’s, ten retail locations provide not only affordable goods and services, but also employment to those in need and a revenue stream to support Goodwill’s charitable mission.  In addition, a wide range of business services, including janitorial and grounds maintenance, allows Goodwill to expand further employment opportunities by contracting with federal, state, governmental and non-governmental organizations.

Goodwill also offers multiple job resource centers, equipped with job-search experts, computers, Internet access and telephones.  Goodwill believes that work has the power to transform lives by building self-confidence, independence, creativity, trust and friendships. Everyone deserves this chance. For more information on Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana programs or services, or to find a location near you, visit www.goodwillnla.org.