Everyone deserves the opportunity to work, contribute and build a future they can be proud of. At Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW), Group Supported Employment helps make that possible by providing individuals with disabilities and other employment barriers the opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience in real business settings. Through hands-on job training, participants build workplace skills, confidence and independence while preparing for long-term employment.

Group Supported Employment is a short-term job training program designed for people who may benefit from additional support as they prepare for long-term employment. Rather than learning in a simulated environment, participants work alongside local employers, completing meaningful tasks that contribute to day-to-day business operations. Working in small teams of three to six participants, each group is supported by a dedicated Goodwill NCW Employment Coach who provides training, encouragement and guidance every step of the way.

The result is an experience that builds more than just job skills – it builds confidence.  

At partner businesses like Thrivent and Goodwill NCW retail stores, participants are treated as valued members of the team from day one. They clock in, receive assignments and contribute to real work that makes a difference. At Thrivent, participants support the Materials and Distribution department by completing projects that directly impact financial advisors and clients. At the Green Bay East Goodwill store, they work alongside team leaders to complete daily operational tasks just like any other employee.

These hands-on experiences allow participants to develop essential workplace skills that employers value, including teamwork, communication, time management, reliability and problem-solving. Just as importantly, participants gain the confidence that comes from mastering new responsibilities and seeing their own growth over time.

For many, that transformation is the most rewarding part of the program.  

Managers and supervisors who work alongside GSE participants often describe the experience as inspiring. Watching someone accomplish a task they once believed was out of reach or seeing the pride that comes from newfound independence reminds everyone involved of the power of opportunity. Families also witness remarkable growth as their loved ones develop skills, self-confidence and greater independence that extend far beyond the workplace.

The ultimate goal of Group Supported Employment is to prepare participants for permanent employment that aligns with their interests, strengths and abilities. Every shift, every new skill and every success serves as another step toward greater independence, stronger community connections and a brighter future.

The program’s success is made possible through partnerships with local businesses that are willing to open their doors and invest in inclusive employment. These partnerships not only provide valuable training opportunities for participants but also deliver meaningful business benefits. GSE teams provide consistent support for routine, process-driven work, allowing employees to focus on customer service, specialized responsibilities and other higher-value tasks. Because Goodwill NCW manages staffing, training and daily support through a clear contracted model, employers gain dependable coverage without the time and expense of recruiting, hiring and supervising additional staff.

As participants build their skills and confidence, they can take on additional responsibilities that align with a business’s evolving needs. This flexibility helps employers streamline workflows, increase overall productivity and expand capacity while supporting participants’ employment goals. In many cases, employers also gain a first look at emerging talent. When a participant is a good fit for a permanent role, Goodwill NCW helps support a smooth transition to employment.

Businesses interested in partnering with Goodwill NCW often discover that getting started is easier than they expected. Goodwill works closely with employers to identify tasks that are well suited for a supported work team, develop a plan that fits existing operations and provide ongoing coaching and communication throughout the partnership. This collaborative approach ensures both the business and participants receive the support needed for a successful experience.