OVERVIEW

Network of 184 independent, community-based organizations in the U.S., Canada, and 14 other countries.

Provides job training and employment services, job placement opportunities and post-employment support.

Strengthens communities and families by training people to become independent, tax-paying members of society.

2007 HIGHLIGHTS

1.1 million people benefited from Goodwill career services.

140,056 people placed in competitive jobs – that’s every 53 seconds of every business day.

$3.2 billion total revenue.

84 precent of revenues funded employment programs and support services.

2,200+ retail stores and an online auction site, www.shopgoodwill.com.

65 million donors.

Goodwill Industries Reaffirms Commitment to Fiscal Responsibility

Presents Views to Senate Roundtable on Charitable Governance

July 22, 2004

Rockville, MD — As a steward of public and private resources for more than a century, Goodwill Industries International endorses a move toward greater fiscal oversight in America's nonprofit organizations.

“At Goodwill, holding ourselves accountable is nothing new,” says George W. Kessinger, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “We believe it is a basic requirement of our relationship with the people who donate to Goodwill and those who benefit from our job training and career services. It is critical to maintain the highest level of accountability.”

In response to recent questionable ethical and financial practices, the U.S. Senate Finance Committee is proposing a sweeping plan to increase responsible fiscal oversight in America's nonprofit organizations. Jane Nichols, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Chatahoochee Valley (Columbus, GA), represented Goodwill at the Committee's July 22 roundtable on charitable governance.

“We believe that responsible fiscal oversight and proposed reforms to the charitable community will strengthen nonprofits,” said Nichols in her statement to the Committee. “Goodwill Industries believes that the proactive establishment of effective fiscal management and a voluntary compliance program make good business sense.”

Goodwill Industries has instituted a series of measures designed to promote greater transparency and accountability in all its activities to those who support the organization and those who benefit from its job training and career services. The program includes the timely reporting of financial statements, internal controls and annual audits, whistle blower protection and a conflict of interest policy. Goodwill has also recommended to its independent member agencies that both the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer sign IRS Form 990 to attest personally to the accuracy and completeness of its contents as well as to the accuracy and completeness of all financial reports.

“Some may see these proposed reforms as burdensome, expensive and difficult,” says Kessinger. “At Goodwill Industries we believe the difficulty arises in not embracing them and facing the resulting loss of public trust.”

Christine Nyirjesy Bragale
Director, Media Relations (Media Calls Only)
Phone: (240) 333-5264
Cell:	(301) 928-9536

Lauren Lawson
Manager, Media Relations (Media Calls Only)
Phone: (240) 333-5266
Cell:	(240) 388-8309

Charrisse Lyons
Manager, Media Advocacy (Media Calls Only)
Phone: (240) 333-5288
Cell:	(240) 678-7411

Charlene Sarmiento
Specialist, Media Relations (Media Calls Only)
Phone: (240) 333-5590
Cell:	(240) 620-7703
	newsroom@goodwill.org