Skills Development Adult Day Program

Giving People with Disabilities Purpose, Pride and Dignity Through Work


About the Program

People with developmental disabilities improve job skills and learn to work independently and as a part of a team in Goodwill’s Skills Development Adult Day Program. In this controlled work environment at Goodwill’s ISO certified manufacturing facility, participants work on personalized improvement plans.

These skills include:

  • Reliability and Dependability
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Critical Thinking
  • Conflict Resolution

Although participants cannot be hired and fired as in a traditional work setting, all will earn a paycheck for their hours worked. In addition to the core job skills, participants learn to accept responsibility, get along with co-workers, follow instructions, establish a work ethic and gain self-confidence. Each person progresses at their own pace with guidance from trained program specialists. Those that are preparing for possible transition to Community Employment may participate in the Mobile Crew or work at a satellite location like the one at the Goodwill in Newton.

  • Mobile Crew

    What some might consider a stepping stone to Community Employment, the Mobile Crew allows Skills Development employees who are ready to explore work in the community to be transported to local Goodwill stores. Under the supervision of a program specialist, employees assist customers, rotate merchandise and more. This program helps participants get comfortable with working in the community, follow a scheduled work plan and develop customer service skills.

  • Newton Store Program

    A Goodwill store opened in Newton in December 2016, and now houses a program to employ people with disabilities in the store along with a dedicated life skills training space. Goodwill leadership hopes to replicate this program in other communities across Kansas. To participate in this program, you must first be referred by the Harvey-Marion County Community Developmental Disabilities Organization (CDDO).

  • Hutchinson Store Program

    In Hutchinson, our retail store has incorporated a program dedicated to providing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. This initiative also includes a devoted space for life skills training. The leadership at Goodwill is eager to establish similar programs in various communities across Kansas. In order to participate in this program, individuals must be referred by the Reno County Community Developmental Disabilities Organization (CDDO).

Business Services

Skills Development employees work in Goodwill’s ISO certified manufacturing facility under supervision from trained program specialists. To provide these jobs, Goodwill contracts with businesses internationally to complete work like repackaging, kit assembly, labeling and more.

What People Are Saying

What People Are Saying

(The Goodwill staff) worked and worked and worked with me and didn’t give up on me.

- Jessica Farnsworth, Skills Development Program Participant Goodwill Industries of Kansas

What People Are Saying

What People Are Saying

(Katie) is doing the Mobile Crew which was something she was very afraid of at first. She was scared to go out in public and work. She has really embraced it and is doing awesome now. She has learned many new skills and gained confidence in her abilities.

- Chadra Hill, Program Director Goodwill Industries of Kansas

What People Are Saying

What People Are Saying

If you work hard, you can make good money. (I have learned to) stay on task, don’t get into trouble and listen when people ask you something.

- Brandon Sanders, Skills Development Participant & Mobile Crew Member

Are You Interested in Our Programs or Services?

To participate in the Skills Development Adult Day Program, you must first be referred by the Community Developmental Disabilities Organization (CDDO) in your area. If you would like more information about one of our programs or services, please complete the secure form below to contact us.