Goodwill Appoints Tracy Weimer as Career Services Manager for Western PA

Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries, Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Tracy Weimer as the new Career Services Manager for Mercer and Lawrence Counties.

In this role, Weimer will help individuals overcome barriers to employment by addressing basic needs, developing workplace readiness and fostering supportive environments that promote confidence and inclusion.

Weimer brings a wealth of experience rooted in service, perseverance and community engagement. A single mother at 24, she began her college journey at Penn State Shenango, earning a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies, while working at Quaker Steak and Lube. She later earned her master’s degree in Health and Human Services Administration from Youngstown State University.

Her professional background includes work in child welfare, behavioral health and more than 13 years in substance use disorder treatment at Rainbow Recovery Center, where she served as a counselor and later Clinical Supervisor. In 2018, Weimer helped launch the ROAR Center (Removing Obstacles to Assist Recovery), Mercer County’s first sober-focused community center. She continues to serve her community as a member of the Mercer County Coalition for Drug Awareness and the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee.

“Many people just don’t know what resources exist,” Weimer said. “I want to help them bridge the gap between where they are and where they want to be.”

Weimer’s familiarity with local services and community organizations allows her to connect individuals to the support they need. Her initial focus will be on people in early recovery and those with criminal records who are looking for a second chance. She is also actively learning about services in Lawrence County to build similar connections and ensure Goodwill’s footprint grows across both counties.

The Career Specialist Manager role is modeled after a successful initiative in Ohio, and Goodwill anticipates similar outcomes in Pennsylvania. The position is designed to foster collaboration, open new funding doors and increase visibility of Goodwill’s mission in local communities.

“My goal is to find the gaps and serve those not already being reached,” Weimer said. “It’s about helping people feel seen, supported and capable of long-term success.”

Outside of her professional life, Tracy enjoys time with her husband of 7½ years, her adult son and two grandchildren, Wyatt and Brinleigh. She and her husband love to travel — whether to the beach or the mountains — and share weekly dinners with friends. She also enjoys cooking as a way to unwind and values time with her church community.

“There are opportunities, training programs and employers ready to invest in people,” said Weimer. “Sometimes, they just need someone to show them the path.”

For more information on Goodwill’s programs in Mercer and Lawrence Counties, visit goodwillyoungstown.org.