Most people know Goodwill as a chain of thrift stores, but the organization's core mission has nothing to do with selling secondhand clothes. Goodwill Industries International operates in 3,300 locations across North America, and in 2026, their programs help over 1.7 million people access job training, career placement, financial literacy classes, digital skills programs, and educational credentials — all at no cost. If you are looking for work, trying to change careers, or need help getting financially stable, the Goodwill near you likely offers services you have never heard of.
While Goodwill programs build long-term skills, the job search itself takes time — and bills do not wait. That gap between "starting a program" and "landing a paycheck" is where supplemental income matters most. With I am Beezy, you can earn $5 to $15 per day from your phone by viewing content while you train, study, and interview. That is $150 to $300 per month covering essentials during the transition. But first, let us look at every service Goodwill offers near you.
Free Job Training and Career Services
Career centers and job readiness programs
Goodwill operates career centers in communities across the country where you can access one-on-one career counseling, resume writing assistance, interview coaching, and job search support — all at no cost. In 2026, many Goodwill career centers also offer computer labs with internet access for online job applications, professional clothing for interviews through their "Suit Up" or similar programs, and workshops on workplace skills like communication, time management, and conflict resolution. Walk into any Goodwill career center during business hours — no appointment is needed to get started.
Skills training and certification programs
Beyond basic job readiness, many Goodwill locations offer vocational training programs that lead to industry-recognized certifications. Common programs include forklift operation, healthcare certifications (CNA, phlebotomy, medical coding), IT certifications (CompTIA A+, Google IT Support), customer service training, and hospitality industry certifications. These programs typically run 4 to 16 weeks and are completely free for qualifying participants. The certifications you earn are the same ones employers require, giving you a direct path to employment.
GED and high school equivalency programs
If you did not finish high school, many Goodwill locations offer free GED and high school equivalency preparation classes. These programs include classroom instruction, practice testing, and often cover the cost of the GED exam itself. In 2026, some Goodwill locations have partnered with local community colleges to offer bridge programs that take you from GED directly into college-level coursework or vocational training.
Financial Services Most People Do Not Know About
Financial coaching and literacy programs
Several Goodwill regions offer free financial coaching programs that go far beyond a basic budgeting class. You work one-on-one with a coach who helps you create a budget, build credit, manage debt, open bank accounts, and set financial goals. Some programs run 6 to 12 months and track your progress over time. Goodwill's financial coaches are trained to work with people in every financial situation, including those recovering from bankruptcy, dealing with debt collectors, or managing income on public assistance.
Tax preparation assistance (VITA)
Many Goodwill locations host Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites during tax season, providing free tax preparation for households earning under $64,000 per year. Trained volunteers prepare and file your federal and state returns at no cost, ensuring you claim every credit and deduction available — including the Earned Income Tax Credit, which can be worth up to $7,430 for qualifying families in 2026. This service alone can save you $200 to $400 compared to paid tax preparation.
Digital skills and computer access
In an increasingly digital economy, Goodwill's digital literacy programs teach essential computer skills — from basic mouse and keyboard skills to navigating email, using word processors, creating spreadsheets, and even coding fundamentals. Many locations provide free computer access and Wi-Fi for job searching, online applications, and skills practice. The Goodwill Digital Career Accelerator, available in select markets, offers advanced training in IT, digital marketing, and data analytics.
How to Find Goodwill Services in Your Area
Use the Goodwill locator tool
Visit goodwill.org and click "Find a Location" to search by zip code. The results show every Goodwill location near you, including which services each one offers. Not every Goodwill store has a career center or training program — the locator tool helps you find the specific services you need. You can also call Goodwill's national helpline for assistance connecting with your local organization.
Services vary by region
Goodwill is structured as a federation of independent regional organizations, which means the specific services available depend on which Goodwill affiliate operates in your area. Goodwill of Greater Washington DC might offer different programs than Goodwill of the Olympics in Washington State. When you find your local Goodwill, check their regional website for a complete list of programs. If one location does not offer what you need, a neighboring Goodwill region might.
Earning Income During Your Transition
The gap between training and employment
Here is the challenge Goodwill does not solve: while you are enrolled in a 6-week certification program or spending weeks on a job search, your bills keep coming. Rent, utilities, groceries, gas — none of it pauses while you build new skills. This is where I am Beezy fills a critical role. You can view content on your phone between classes, during commutes, or in the evening and generate real income that covers daily expenses.
| Moment | Beezy Action | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Morning commute to Goodwill | 15 min viewing content | $3-5 |
| Lunch break | 10 min viewing content | $2-3 |
| Evening at home | 20 min viewing content | $5-7 |
| Daily total | 45 min | $10-15 |
That $10 to $15 per day adds up to $300 to $450 per month — enough to cover groceries, gas, and a phone bill while Goodwill training gets you ready for a higher-paying career. The referral program extends your earnings further: every friend who signs up through your link generates additional income for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to qualify for Goodwill services?
Most Goodwill career services and job training programs are open to anyone, though some specialized programs may have income requirements or target specific populations (veterans, individuals with disabilities, formerly incarcerated individuals). Walk into your local Goodwill career center and ask what is available — there is no cost to explore your options and most services have minimal eligibility barriers.
Is Goodwill job training actually recognized by employers?
Yes. Goodwill's certification programs lead to industry-standard credentials that employers recognize and require. A CompTIA A+ certification from a Goodwill program is the same credential as one earned from a paid boot camp. Many Goodwill locations have direct relationships with local employers who actively recruit from their training programs.
Can I use Goodwill services while receiving unemployment benefits?
Absolutely. In fact, participating in job training and career services often satisfies the work-search requirements of your unemployment benefits. Some state unemployment offices actively refer people to Goodwill programs. Check with your state's unemployment office to confirm that your Goodwill enrollment qualifies as an approved training activity.
How long do Goodwill training programs take?
It varies widely. Job readiness workshops might be a single day or a one-week program. Vocational certifications typically run 4 to 16 weeks. GED programs can take several months depending on your starting level. Digital skills programs range from a few hours for basics to several months for advanced certifications. Your local Goodwill career counselor can help you choose the right program based on your timeline and goals.
Start Building Your Career and Income Today
Goodwill is not just a thrift store — it is a career launchpad that has been helping Americans find work and build skills for over a century. Find your nearest location at goodwill.org, walk in, and explore everything they offer. While you train and job-search, keep your finances stable by earning supplemental income on your phone. Sign up for I am Beezy for free and start earning today — because the best time to build income is while you are building your career.
