Goodwill of Colorado has been transforming lives since 1918, helping people overcome barriers through training, education, and job assistance. The organization serves 63 counties statewide and employs over 3,000 team members. Goodwill’s noble mission is to empower people to unlock their full potential.

THE CHALLENGE

Goodwill of Colorado created the role of GPS Navigator to offer support services to its 3,000 employees and the broader community. The title, “GPS” stands for Goodwill Paths to Success, which is precisely what they offer. GPS Navigators provide work opportunities, transportation needs, housing assistance, and other specialized support for individuals with developmental or economic challenges. Goodwill needed a cost-effective way to distribute this information to more than 148,000 Coloradans the program serves. Printed informational flyers just weren't cutting it anymore.

THE SOLUTION

Goodwill of Colorado decided to investigate different technology options to address their communication needs. Ultimately, they chose Engage by Cell’s web app builder for community resources. Benefits of the new communication tools included:

• No app downloads are required. 
• Users did not have to log in to access content so there are no complicated logins to remember or passwords to reset. 
• The resource portal is accessible through QR code on any mobile phone.
• Anyone on the Goodwill of Colorado team could build mobile web apps with an easy drag-drop interface.
• No IT department or web designers are needed. 
• Changes and additions can be made at any time, in real time.

OUTCOMES

Mobile communication tools were a necessary step to provide better access to resources. Residents of Colorado impacted by economic challenges or disasters could now access critical transportation, rental assistance, self-care, family services, and other daily living needs at their fingertips through the Project GPS mobile web app.

The outcome of implementing the new Engage by Cell tools include improved accessibility of information and increased efficiency. The mobile web app is organized by state and county resources and is promoted throughout the local Goodwill stores. The list of resources and tools available through the Project GPS mobile web app continues to grow as more community members, organizations, and resource providers become aware of the portal and its positive impact on the lives of Coloradans.

"We use the QR code to make it very easy, especially because of the demographic that works at Goodwill. The traffic that I get is pretty tremendous. For instance, I average probably 400 to 600 hits per page a month!”

- Kelly Booker, GPS Navigator at Goodwill of Colorado

Thanks to Engage by Cell’s mobile technology and the Goodwill of Colorado Project GPS team, residents of Colorado now have access to essential community resources, education, transportation, well-being, and training tools right at their fingertips.