Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia, Inc. (GIMG) and First Step Staffing, Inc. (FSS) are working together to provide staffing and job placement services to Augusta-area job seekers. The two community-based non-profits are on a mission to lift individuals out of poverty and homelessness by breaking down barriers to employment and opening access to meaningful work.

Independently, GIMG and FSS serve individuals on a path to employment, yet experience various barriers, such as lack of access to skills training and transportation. In this joint venture, the organizations will act as an alternative staffing organization whose mission is to educate, train, and place people into temporary, temp-to-perm, and direct hire jobs that meet the needs of the employers in Middle Georgia, specifically Augusta.  

“Together, Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia and First Step Staffing will be able to provide not only rapid access to employment, but a complete catalog of services including job coaching, education and training, transportation, and support services,” said Leah Pontani, GIMG Senior Vice President of Career Development.

Job seekers will co-enroll with GIMG and FSS. GIMG will provide education and training, while FSS will provide employment opportunities and transportation. Both organizations will provide case management and ongoing retention and support for job seekers.

“The vision of the joint venture is to help people with barriers to employment find meaningful work fast, at the same time meet the workforce needs of local businesses in Augusta and the surrounding areas,” said First Step Staffing CEO Amelia Nickerson. “The goal is to have everyone we serve experience the power of work and the dignity of earning a paycheck.”