Goodwill Industries Opens First Opportunity Center in Kansas

Goodwill Industries Opens First Opportunity Center in Kansas

Goodwill Industries of Kansas has proudly introduced its first Opportunity Center in the state. This community resource center was made possible through a strategic partnership with Empower, WSU Tech, and the City of Wichita.

Goodwill Opportunity Center – Empower is an accessible, community-based location where Goodwill and its partners will offer free, targeted services to support individuals in their pursuit of education and employment. The center will provide core services such as resume assistance, job search help, job application support, and interview preparation. In addition, the center will be home to NexStep Alliance classrooms that offer GED preparation classes, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, and other resources tailored to meet the unique needs of the community.

“This Goodwill Opportunity Center represents an exciting milestone in our mission to empower individuals and strengthen the community,” said Laura Ritterbush, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Kansas. “By expanding our partnership with Empower, WSU Tech, and the City of Wichita, we are making it possible for people to access the resources they need to build better futures for themselves and their families. The Opportunity Center is a place where individuals can take meaningful steps toward economic independence.”

“We are thrilled to collaborate on this initiative and help make these services more accessible to the community,” said Ariel Rodriguez, Executive Director of Empower. “Our organization is committed to supporting individuals on their journey toward stability and success, and the Opportunity Center will provide vital resources that address both immediate needs and long-term aspirations.”

The Opportunity Center’s collaborative approach allows Goodwill and its partners to operate with a shared commitment to the community while keeping overhead costs low. By partnering with these entities and strategically locating the center in an area of need, the program aims to reach a broader audience, providing services to individuals who may have difficulty accessing traditional resources.

“Education and workforce development are key pillars of a thriving community,” said Dr. Sheree Utash, President, WSU Tech. “We are proud to be a part of this expansion and look forward to working alongside these wonderful partners to provide these valuable services to Wichita residents.”

“Wichita is known as the Air Capital of the world, but we have taken up a broader and more crucial mantle – the Opportunity Capital of the world. It’s my goal that in Wichita, every person will have equitable opportunities, and this strategic partnership helps us come together to support that mission,” said Council Member Maggie Ballard. “I am excited to expand how we serve residents, and for District 6 to be the home of this crucial initiative.”

For more information about our Opportunity Center, please click here.