Program FAQs

I have a disability and want to find work. How can MERS/Goodwill help me?

MERS/Goodwill serves individuals with disabilities with funding through the Missouri Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). By meeting with a VR Counselor, you will be able to find out if you are eligible for services. That Counselor will then refer you to the appropriate program.

What are the hours for MERS/Goodwill programs?

Our offices providing services in partnership with Vocational Rehabilitation are open from 8am to 4pm, Monday through Friday. The Missouri Work Assistance and Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Programs are provided from 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday.

How do I access Vocational Rehabilitation services?

Missouri Division of Vocational Rehabilitation can be contacted at the office nearest you. Those locations can be viewed here.

I do not have a disability and want to find work. How can MERS/Goodwill help me?

Programs vary by geographic area. Please contact the MERS/Goodwill location nearest you to hear about specific programs. Click here for a location near you.

Can MERS/Goodwill help me with a car or items from the store?

MERS/Goodwill works with many agencies in the community to provide vouchers to use at the retail stores on a referral basis. Unfortunately, Goodwill does not give or sell their donated cars to the public. Our donated cars are sold “as is” at dealer auto auctions in St. Louis, Rolla and Springfield, Missouri. The revenue from the sale of our donated cars is used to further our mission of helping individuals with employment training and job placement services throughout the bi-state area.

Does MERS/Goodwill help with things other than employment?

Other services provided through MERS/Goodwill include the Supported Living Program (funded by St. Louis office for DD Resources in St. Louis City), Senior Community Service employment Program (SCSEP), Forest Park Southeast, Juvenile Justice (St. Louis City), Apprenticeship, and Sheltered Employment (St. Louis).

Where are MERS/Goodwill offices located?

MERS/Goodwill has career center offices in both Missouri and Illinois that can be viewed here.

How do I get a referral to participate in services at MERS/Goodwill?

Referral/payer sources for MERS/Goodwill services include:

Bureau of Blind Services
Community Access and Job Training
Delmar Workforce Development
Department of Justice
Division of Family Services
Division of Youth Services
Domestic Violence Court
EPS Rehabilitation
Family Court Youth
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Federal Office of Workers Compensation
Federal Probation and Parole
Florissant Square Division of Workforce Development
Forest Park S/E
Fort Zumwalt School District
Francis Howell School District
Franklin County Board
Illinois Division of Rehabilitation Services
International Institute
The Jewish Federation
Lippman Division of Workforce Development
Missouri Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Missouri Rehabilitation Services for the Blind
Missouri Career Center
New Beginnings
North Oaks Division of Workforce Development
North West Division of Workforce Development
Productive Living Board of St. Louis County
Project Cares
Regional Center
S.T.E.P.
Simon Grant
SLATE
Southwest School
Special School District
St. Charles Division of Workforce Development
St. Charles School District
St. Louis Community College
St. Louis Office for DD Resources
St. Louis Public Schools
St. Louis Regional Center
St. Patrick Center
Veterans Administration IL
Veterans Administration Springfield, MO
Veterans Administration St. Louis, MO
Washington State
Wentzville School District

How are MERS/Goodwill services paid for?

Please contact your local office for information regarding referrals and fees.

If I am in services with MERS/Goodwill, how often should I see my Case Manager?

Services in partnership with Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation are provided in weekly meetings with your Case Manager or Employment Specialist.