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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Goodwill to build Ohana Career and Learning Center in Kapolei

Advertiser Staff

Goodwill lndustries of Hawaii has received the final installment of a $2
million grant to help build Goodwill’s new Ohana Career and Learning Center
of Kapolei, the nonprofit organization has announced.

The grant, awarded by The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, will be used
to support the construction of the center, which will help hundreds of
Leeward Oahu residents with vocational and professional know-how through
skill and job training, pre-employment screening, and practical work
experience.
“Over one third of the people served through Goodwill are located on the
Leeward Coast where we do not currently have a facility,” Laura Robertson,
president and CEO of the organization, said in a released statement. “The
center will address a critical need in West Oahu and the grant Š will help
support our efforts and the welfare of at-risk youth, people with
disabilities, and those transitioning from public assistance to the
workforce.”
The center, which will open next year, will create about 150 jobs for people
from the surrounding area, and will serve some 1,600 Leeward residents a
year. More than 1,200 people are expected to gain employment through the
center during its first five years.
When completed the new center will be known as the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg
Campus.
Goodwill Industries of Hawaii has been a provider of education, training and
careers services since 1959, and is the leading job placement firm in the
state.