WARREN — Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries and the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber revealed the results of the Community Needs Assessment Report Friday morning at the Grand Resort.
The report aims to provide a clearer understanding of the barriers to employment in the region and develop strategies to overcome them. The study is a collaborative effort between the two organizations, targeting job seekers and business owners.
To oversee the execution of the report’s findings, Goodwill is seeking a Community Solutions Director. This new role will be responsible for managing the next steps derived from the assessment, including facilitating collaboration among stakeholders, coordinating committees and ensuring the project’s goals are met.
“We are looking forward to hiring the Community Solutions Director, whose role is crucial in addressing the barriers identified in our CNA Report,” Goodwill CEO Shelley Murray said. “This hire represents our commitment to working alongside the community to foster a prepared and resilient workforce. Together, we can create meaningful change and support individuals in overcoming obstacles to employment.”
Through a combination of demographic data, survey data and qualitative findings from focus groups, Goodwill and the Chamber have gathered critical information that will inform their next steps in tackling these challenges. The report covers Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana, Mercer (PA) and Lawrence (PA) counties.
The findings highlight a variety of barriers, including transportation, access to affordable childcare, skills gaps and challenges related to education and training. With the data now in hand, Goodwill and the Chamber are poised to take action in collaboration with local businesses, government officials and community organizations to address these issues head-on.
“As the Chamber and our partners work towards creating an environment in our region for sustainable economic success, it is critical that we understand the very real barriers that exist,” said Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber CEO Guy Coviello. “It is our responsibility as a community to work to address these challenges and create meaningful opportunities for the Valley’s residents.”
For more information, visit goodwillyoungstown.org/cna.