LOUISVILLE, Ky. (November 19, 2024) – Today, The Spot: Young Adult Opportunity Center held a graduation ceremony for individuals who completed its job-readiness and self-sufficiency programs. A partnership between Goodwill Industries of Kentucky and KentuckianaWorks, The Spot offers young adults ages 16-24 in the Louisville region free tools and support to overcome adversity and get on a productive educational or career path. The program focuses on young adults facing significant barriers such as homelessness, substance abuse, involvement in the justice system and more.
“I am beyond excited to celebrate the accomplishments of The Spot participants, who have shown dedication and hard work in our training programs,” said Nicole McGill, Director of Young Adult Services for Goodwill. “Their growth and success not only highlight their individual potential but also demonstrate the power of opportunity and support in helping at-risk youth build brighter futures. Today, we honor their achievements and look forward to the amazing contributions they will continue to make in their personal lives and communities.”
This graduation ceremony, which was held at the Goodwill West Louisville Opportunity Campus, recognized 430 graduates who have recently completed The Spot’s work readiness and life skills curriculum. Their training has included self-presentation, resume writing, communication skills, mock interviewing, team building, conflict resolution, and more. They have been building these foundational skills while working 1-on-1 with a career coach to set their goals and navigate barriers. Students receive monetary stipends as they progress through the curriculum.
“Congratulations graduates of The Spot. You made a choice to seek out the resources and guidance you needed to improve your life and that calls for celebration,” said Michael Gritton, Executive Director of KentuckianaWorks. “Stay in touch with your support system at The Spot as you continue to pursue your goals, and please remember all the people here today who believe in your potential.”
In addition to its employment assistance, The Spot also offers help with behavioral and mental health, substance abuse, spiritual health, wellness, legal aid, housing, transportation, occupational training and family reunification.
Over the 2023-24 program year, The Spot served more than 1,000 young adults. The program helped place 187 participants in jobs at an average wage of $16 an hour. Thirty-seven young adult participants completed paid internships and 159 earned occupational skills credentials.
The Spot serves clients ages 16-24 from Bullitt, Henry, Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer and Trimble counties. New locations have recently opened in downtown Louisville and in the Shively neighborhood of Louisville. The Spot also has locations in Bullitt and Henry counties. The Spot is supported by funding from Louisville Metro Government, the U.S. Department of Labor, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, FHI 360, and other sources. To learn more, visit thespotky.org.
About KentuckianaWorks
KentuckianaWorks is the Louisville region’s Workforce Development Board. Its programs help job seekers in Bullitt, Henry, Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, and Trimble counties find jobs, education and training and connect employers with skilled, qualified workers. In addition to The Spot, KentuckianaWorks helps run SummerWorks, Code Louisville, Kentuckiana Builds, the College Access Center (KCAC), and the area’s Kentucky Career Centers, among other workforce programs.
About Goodwill Industries of Kentucky
Goodwill Industries of Kentucky is a 101-year-old nonprofit organization that operates in 103 of Kentucky’s 120 counties. The organization is committed to using resources from its 67 retail stores to help build pathways out of poverty for individuals who need a hand-up in life. In 2023, Goodwill helped place 3,185 Kentuckians into jobs with its 1,330 employer partners and inside its own retail stores. Goodwill uses approximately 90 cents from every dollar generated in its retail stores to operate programs and services that help Kentucky’s hardest-to-serve job seekers build the life they desire.