Bowling Green to Expand Goodwill Opportunity Center with New Funding
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — A significant boost is on the way for the Goodwill Industries Opportunity Center thanks to a grant of $2.8 million from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. This funding will play a key role in expanding the center’s services aimed at helping people kick-start their career paths.
The total cost for the expansion project is estimated to be $3.515 million. In addition to the federal grant, the project also secured $757,000 in local funds and $475,000 from the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. The combined financial support shows strong community backing from various stakeholders, including the City of Bowling Green, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, Warren County, and BRADD.
Focus on One-Stop Assistance
Chad Spencer, who is the Director of Career Services at Goodwill Industries, expressed enthusiasm for the future of the Opportunity Center. He highlighted that the grant will not only fund the expansion of the building but also enhance the services offered to the community. With the new design, community partners will have dedicated office space in the center.
Spencer explained the benefits of this **one-stop-shop model** for clients seeking to transition from incarceration into stable employment. He mentioned, “Instead of me enrolling someone in our services and then asking them to go to the Kentucky Career Center to enroll in their services as well, I have representatives from the Kentucky Career Center here in the building.” This means that clients will not have to face the transportation barrier of moving to a separate location for additional help. Instead, they will receive all the needed assistance within the same facilities.
Transforming Underutilized Spaces
The Opportunity Center’s current space has not reached its full potential, with much of it underutilized. Spencer pointed out that there is ample storage space and even outdoor areas that are not currently in use. He noted, “Let’s let them see what the building is now, and then as the construction starts and as the expansion grows, they’ll see how this place is transforming from a small space that helps people to a really big multi-faceted community help center.”
With the upcoming renovations, the Goodwill Opportunity Center will become a hub of resources. Plans include housing the Kentucky Career Center, and Workforce Innovations and Opportunities Act services, as well as having a mental health crisis intervention professional on site.
Project Timeline and Next Steps
The design phase for this much-anticipated project is set to begin in early November. As of now, a timeline for construction has yet to be established, but community members are eager to see this transformation take place. The expansion represents a significant step forward in providing accessible resources for employment and support services to people in the Bowling Green area.
This initiative underscores the importance of community collaboration and investment in local services. By reducing barriers to access and enhancing the support available, the Goodwill Industries Opportunity Center aims to make a positive impact on the lives of many residents in Bowling Green.
As the project gears up, local stakeholders remain optimistic about the changes that will help streamline the process for those seeking employment and support as they navigate various challenges. Community members can look forward to seeing a dynamic shift in how support and resources are delivered.
