Business Opportunity Center

The Business Opportunity Centers (BOCs), located within Goodwill retail stores, are designed to provide services to individuals with disabilities, referral agencies, and the community at large. A program that identifies the skills and goals of the individual, through assessments and training in competitive, integrated community work sites, allowing employment specialists to help determine community work opportunities.

Agencies that work with persons with disabilities or barriers to employment refer individuals to the BOC. An evaluation period allows Goodwill employment specialists, as well as specially trained store employees, to become involved in the individual's progress and development.

Since the BOC inception in January of 2006, Goodwill has grown the program to include numerous stores throughout the 31 county territory. The managers of the stores housing the program report benefits not initially anticipated, including increased staff morale. “Thanks to their disabled co-workers store employees have become better people, more caring and compassionate, and more adept to handling life’s punches.”

The Business Opportunity Centers are an economic engine for the communities in which they are located. Communities will see a greater number of people employed, independent, and contributing to the local economy.

For more information on the Business Opportunity Center offered by Goodwill, e-mail wfd@goodwillvalleys.com.

When David Shoemaker graduated from high school he didn't know what his job options were. He began receiving disability but knew that he wanted more out of life. He came to Goodwill in July of 2005 in the program that would later become the BOC. He was hired by Goodwill two weeks later.
"Goodwill has allowed me to become something I never was before; employed. I am more confident, and am able to do the things that I want to do. I am very proud to no longer receive disability benefits. Goodwill gave me the chance to show what I can do. they gave me a feeling of worth."