| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HU Direct, An Express Division of Hodges University, and Goodwill of Southwest Florida Join to Provide More Accessible, Workforce Training Opportunities New Charlotte County Center Grand Opening Set for April 29 April 21, 2021 –Port Charlotte, FLA –HU Direct, An Express Division of Hodges University, and Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida have formed an alliance to create more workforce training opportunities that will help fulfill the needs of the region. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 8 a.m. on Thursday, April 29 at the new Goodwill Community Resource Center in Port Charlotte inside the brand new Goodwill retail store at Kings Highway in the Peachland Plaza. At this location, Hodges University has their own networked, fully equipped classroom to teach classes and hold workshops, while Goodwill hosts programs and services to help those with barriers and digital training needs. “It may seem, at first glance, that this would be an unlikely alliance, but we have a lot of common ground that we can use to build upon,” said Dr. John Meyer, President of Hodges University. “We are both non-profit organizations whose missions are complimentary. Among other things, we both strive to be as accessible as possible to help people in our community to start or change their careers.” “We are committed to opening doors that were once barriers to the people we serve – barriers such as education, skills training, and unemployment,” said John Nadeau, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of SWFL. “This project allows us to provide advancement training directly to the communities we serve by creating synergy with a like-minded organization that can enhance and compliment the programs we already offer.” Together, HU Direct and Goodwill provide a clear career path. Goodwill provides mentorship for aspiring small business owners through its SWFL MicroEnterprise Institute. HU Direct and Hodges University offer workforce-directed certificates and degrees that are in demand in the region and beyond. Some of the planned offerings include English as a Second Language (ESL), Pathways to Home Ownership, Direct Support Professionals, plus various workshops and classes. For more information, visit www.Goodwillswfl.org. Hodges University, a regionally accredited, private nonprofit institution founded in 1990, prepares students to leverage higher learning in their personal, professional, and civic endeavors. With over 10,000 graduates having a 93 percent rate of continued success in careers, Hodges is recognized for developing programs that are uniquely designed and delivered to serve a diverse adult learner population. With a campus in Fort Myers, Florida, Hodges provides flexible day, evening, and online classes taught by world-class faculty for undergraduate and graduate degrees. Hodges is also designated as a Hispanic serving institution, and is a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). More information about Hodges University is available at Hodges.edu. Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. Its mission is to help people with disabilities and disadvantages by offering life-changing opportunities to achieve independence. |
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