December 15, 2025

WILMINGTON, Del., Dec. 15, 2025 — As job seekers across the region face a rapidly changing labor market — with new skill demands, shifting wages, and increasing competition for stable work – Goodwill of Delaware & Delaware County is answering the call with the grand opening of its reimagined Opportunity Hub on Monday, December 15, from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. at The Goodwill Center, 300 E. Lea Blvd. in Wilmington. This modern transformation of the former Job Resource Center is designed to give residents direct access to personalized guidance, digital career tools including AI , and clearer pathways into better jobs and stronger careers.

U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), and U.S. Representative Sarah McBride (D-DE) will join Goodwill leadership for the grand-opening program, underscoring the growing regional urgency for accessible, high-impact workforce mobility services.

The Opportunity Hub replaces the previous Job Resource Center with a redesigned space built around empowerment and clarity: one-on-one career navigation, skills assessments, connections to training and employers, and technology that helps job seekers understand how their experience can translate into higher-paying roles. From first jobs to career changes to advancement opportunities, the Hub offers a guided, supportive path forward for anyone ready to take their next step.

“This launch is arriving at exactly the right moment,” said Colleen Morrone, President & CEO of Goodwill of Delaware & Delaware County. “People are trying to navigate a job market undergoing immense change, and they need tools that are fast, relevant, and easy to use, including personal assistance to guide individuals through the needs of a rapidly changing workforce. The Opportunity Hub is designed to meet that need from day one.”

Central to the Opportunity Hub is the Goodwill Opportunity Accelerator^®, a three-step model — Assess & Plan, Equip & Connect, and Launch & Evaluate — that helps individuals understand their strengths, build new skills, and receive ongoing support as they move toward meaningful employment. Job seekers can also connect with Goodwill Staffing Services, which links participants to employers hiring across a variety of industries.

Goodwill of Delaware and Delaware County, Inc. was awarded a U.S. Department of Labor Community Projects Grant in the amount of $1,128,000. Goodwill Connect and the Opportunity Hub redesign was completed at a total cost of $491,580. Of that amount, $378,010 (77%) was funded by this federal grant, while the $113,570 (23%) was funded by Goodwill of Delaware & Delaware County.

Digital Tools That Broaden Access

Goodwill will also highlight how its digital platform, Goodwill Connect, powers access to resources both inside and beyond the Opportunity Hub. Through Goodwill Connect, users can take assessments, explore training programs, including the Google AI Essentials and Google AI Prompting courses , and access essential community resources from any internet-connected device or from Goodwill Connect kiosks located in Goodwill stores in Delaware.

A key addition unveiled at the grand opening is the addition of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and Cleveland’s Occupational Mobility Explorer into the Goodwill Connect platform. This tool allows job seekers to compare wage potential across occupations, identify transferable skills, and view realistic career transitions grounded in regional labor-market data. The integration complements the in-person support provided by Career Navigators, strengthening the Hub’s ability to help individuals move toward higher-paying opportunities.

“In today’s economy, people need multiple pathways to opportunity,” Morrone said. “The Opportunity Hub gives our community a welcoming, accessible place to get support, while our digital tools ensure individuals can access help anytime, anywhere. Together, they create a stronger pipeline to jobs, skills, and long-term career mobility.”

Event Schedule and Media Availability

All events will take place at The Goodwill Center, 300 E. Lea Blvd., Wilmington. Media RSVPs will be shared with the offices of attending legislators.

• Monday, December 15, 2025 — 9:00 to 9:45 a.m.
  Grand opening celebration featuring Senator Coons, Senator Blunt Rochester, Representative McBride, and other officials. The program includes remarks, demonstrations of Goodwill Connect tools, and a tours of the Opportunity Hub.

The following events focus on community engagement; media are welcome to attend:

• Tuesday, December 16, 2025 — 7:30 to 9:00 a.m.
  Delaware State Chamber of Commerce Networking Breakfast
  
  
• Tuesday, December 16, 2025 — 1:0…