FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Marla Eby – Director, Marketing & Media Relations
(323) 246-3620
meby@goodwillsocal.org
Program Adds Bikes, Scooters and Online Hub to Donate Rides or Seek Help
Los Angeles, CA, September 24, 2020 – As the COVID-19 crisis continues to impact local businesses and economies, tens of millions of people are unemployed and underemployed, and certain vulnerable populations are less prepared to withstand the financial strain of the pandemic.
Today, as cities across North America contemplate reopening and rebuilding their local economies, Goodwill® and Lyft are announcing the expansion of a Jobs Access Program to close the transportation gaps related to employment access and job training. Lyft, Goodwill Southern California and United Way have partnered to provide free rides to people making their way through the employment pipeline. Available in 12 markets, the Jobs Access Program provides rides — whether it’s on a Lyft bike, scooter or rideshare — that support an individual’s economic mobility and recovery, and provide equitable opportunities.
For the first time, bikes and scooters will be a transportation option for participants in the Jobs Access Program cities where Lyft bikes and scooters are available. This includes Chicago, Minneapolis, Oakland, San Francisco, and right here in Los Angeles.
“Goodwill SoCal has a long history of offering job seekers support that sets them up for success, including preparing, interviewing and getting to work,” said Patrick McClenahan President and CEO of Goodwill Southern California. “The partnership through Lyft’s Jobs Access Program will provide many Goodwill participants with free transportation to job interviews, career resources and the first weeks of a new job — giving them paths to new beginnings. Our friends at Lyft are helping us ensure that those job seekers move forward in life.”
Lyft is also now offering a direct way for individuals to get involved through its new online Jobs Access Hub. Whether a person is in need of a ride or wants to donate and support others, the Jobs Access Hub makes it easy to take action. Qualifying individuals can use the Hub to see if a ride is available and, if so, Goodwill or United Way will distribute the ride credits.
The Jobs Access Program is part of a broader, comprehensive effort to expand transportation access known as LyftUp. Through LyftUp, Lyft partners with leading nonprofits to help provide free and discounted rides to individuals and families who lack affordable, reliable transportation.
To learn more and view participating markets, visit Goodwill’s Jobs Access landing page.
ABOUT LYFT
Lyft was founded in 2012 by Logan Green and John Zimmer to improve people’s lives with the world’s best transportation, and is available to 95 percent of the United States population as well as select cities in Canada. Lyft is committed to effecting positive change for our cities and making cities more livable for everyone through initiatives that bridge transportation gaps, and by promoting transportation equity through shared rides, bike share systems, electric scooters and public transit partnerships.
About Goodwill Southern California
Transforming lives through the power of work, Goodwill Southern California (GSC) serves individuals with disabilities or other vocational challenges, as well as businesses, by providing education, training, work experience and job placement services. Each year, GSC prepares and places thousands of individuals into sustainable employment through programs and services offered at three campuses, Career Resource Centers, WorkSource Centers, Deaf, Youth and Veteran Employment Programs throughout Los Angeles (north of Rosecrans Ave.), Riverside and San Bernardino counties. GSC supports its mission with proceeds generated from more than 80 stores and 30 attended donation centers. GSC spends 95 percent of its budget on programs and services. Committed to caring for the earth, last year GSC diverted over 100 million pounds of reusable or recyclable goods from landfills. Goodwill is GOOD for Everyone!
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