We're pleased to introduce new member First Step Staffing, powered by Goodwill, a joint venture that brings together the business experience and capacity of First Step Staffing, the largest alternative staffing enterprise in the U.S., and Goodwill of North Georgia, the country's largest Goodwill for employment and job training services.

The partnership expects to achieve higher wages and improved access to permanent employment for job seekers served by both organizations, including people experiencing homelessness, people with criminal records, veterans, people with disabilities, and young adults not yet connected to school or work.

Key to realizing this goal are Goodwill of North Georgia's wide array of upskilling and professional certification opportunities for high-demand occupations in logistics, manufacturing, IT, maintenance, and healthcare, and its relationships with employers seeking to make direct hires across Goodwill's 45-county service area. In the longer term, Goodwlll can also connect First Step with other Goodwill partners for future expansion.

First Step Staffing serves as the employer-of-record for individuals placed through the new joint venture, and Glorivee Cruz-Velazquez, Director of Employment Services at Goodwill of North Georgia (pictured above), is leading the new branch. Glorivee brings over 16 years of employment industry experience and 12 additional years of community engagement experience to her new role. We extend a warm welcome to Glorivee and her team and look forward to their participation in our network!

We're excited by the new venture's high potential to expand career advancement and economic empowerment for marginalized job seekers, and congratulate both organizations on their innovative partnership!