Goodwill to expand in Columbus by opening opportunity center

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — Goodwill of the Southern Rivers announced that it will be expanding in Columbus by opening an opportunity center.

According to officials with the agency, they will open the center on South Lumpkin Road in South Columbus, which will bring free direct service to the community.

The location is expected to provide greater access to education, job training and direct pathways to employment.

With Goodwill’s services already being offered at the Midtown Career Center, this location will be more of a convenience for residents in the South Columbus and Fort Benning area.

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“This expansion reflects our deep belief that everyone deserves access to opportunity,” said Jack Warden, President and CEO of Goodwill Southern Rivers,” said Jack Warden, President and CEO of Goodwill Southern Rivers.

A donation from the J.M. Smucker Company has allowed Goodwill to equip the center with enhanced learning technologies that will ensure the community has access to the necessary digital tools that will enhance skill-building and training.

“By opening the Goodwill Opportunity Center in South Columbus, we’re creating a direct line to resources that empower individuals, strengthen families, and build a more resilient workforce,” Warden said.

Goodwill officials will have the Ready to Achieve Monitoring Program, which is a career-focused mentorship initiative that is designed for at-risk youth or adolescents in the justice system.

The center will also offer its BRIDGE Program that assists young adults with earning their GED, while developing essential life and job readiness skills.

Goodwill officials say there will be an official ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the center, which will be announced at a later date.