Everglades University, Goodwill Manasota Partner on Suits for Vets Donation Drive

At Everglades University, students, staff and faculty choose a nonprofit to support each month. The Suits for Vets charitable effort was a particularly good fit for the campus: Everglades University is a yellow ribbon school, serving many veterans who are on campus getting their education after serving our country. The partnership was cemented after school representatives visited the Veterans Services Program office and heard how Goodwill works to address critical needs of the local veteran population.

“I was so excited to learn that Everglades University was supporting a cause so near and dear to my heart!” said Bryce Feldman, a veteran studying for his MBA at Everglades University. “I know firsthand that many veterans come back from serving their country and need a hand getting back on their feet with job skills and clothing in order to help them get back in the job market.”

Goodwill’s Veterans Services Program, which is staffed by veterans, provides full case management and vocational services that address barriers to employment, disabilities, mental health issues, housing, education and training. The program, which was created in 2013, helps veterans navigate the wide array of available programs and to secure the benefits to which they are entitled.

“Goodwill Manasota is so proud to be able to honor and assist the men and women who have so bravely and selflessly served our country,” Margie Genter, vice president of mission services. “We thank the students, staff and faculty of the Sarasota campus of Everglades University for this generous donation of clothing, which will help veterans who are trying to find their way back into the workforce, or who are seeking better opportunities, to feel more confident during the job search.”

For more about Goodwill’s Veterans Services Program, go to experiencegoodwill.org or call (941) 355-2721, ext. 451.

About Goodwill Manasota

Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With the sales of donated goods and philanthropic donations, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities and other barriers to employment by providing job skills training and employment opportunities. In 2017, Goodwill Manasota served 11,672 people, placed 555 people in jobs, assisted 360 veterans as they reintegrated back into the civilian workforce, and provided 19,540 hours of on-the-clock training for its employees. Goodwill Manasota’s economic impact back to the community is worth $92.1 million. Goodwill is one of the pioneers of the reduce-reuse-recycle movement and this past year diverted more than 41 million pounds out of the landfill. Goodwill Manasota is accountable to a local Board of Directors. Goodwill Manasota, in essence, belongs to this community and is not owned by any individual or company. For more information, visit www.experiencegoodwill.org.

About Everglades University

Everglades University is ranked #13 in Best Colleges for Veterans and ranked #11 in Best Ethnic Diversity by 2018 US News and World Reports Best Colleges. Everglades University is an accredited private not-for-profit university offering Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs.

Note: As originally posted on Goodwill Manasota.