Beth Hostetler has dedicated 35 years to helping the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing communities access meaningful career opportunities. Through her role at Goodwill of Orange County, she has been instrumental in providing training and skills development for thousands of individuals over the past three decades. As a Deaf individual herself, Beth knows firsthand the challenges her community faces when it comes to finding and unlocking career pathways and has dedicated much of her life to helping open doors and breaking down barriers for her peers.

 

With Beth’s leadership, Goodwill OC’s Deaf Services Program, which began 25 years ago in collaboration with the Department of Rehabilitation, has since expanded to include contracts with various schools and companies. This important program connects communication service providers with Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing individuals, matching sign language service providers for a variety of meetings and events. Thanks to Beth’s ongoing efforts, the program has continued to grow, raising awareness and providing education on accessibility and accommodations for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals within organizations and businesses in the community.

 

As the Independent Deaf Services Supervisor and Living Skills Instructor, Beth prioritizes the specific needs of each individual. She assesses each client to determine if they need independent living skills or are ready for job placements within the community.  The program’s ultimate goal is to eliminate any barriers to employment for Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing individuals. Whether it’s providing interpretation assistance or necessary job skills training, the program is designed to help fill these gaps. 

 

Based on an individual's needs and goals, the Independent Living Skills classes may include computer literacy, employment and education preparation services, transportation assistance interpretation services, and more.  

 

Beth’s passion and dedication to Goodwill OC, her clients, and the larger Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community have helped so many individuals unlock beautiful and fulfilling career journeys.

 

 

This is true heart and work of Goodwill OC. Every time you entrust Goodwill with your gently used goods, you are helping to fund programs like Deaf Services reach and impact the Orange County community.

 

To learn more about Goodwill OC’s mission work and Donation Cycle of Good, visit ocgoodwill.org.