ROCKVILLE, MD – Goodwill Industries International has partnered with the Social Enterprise Alliance (SEA) to further advance social enterprises in communities around the world. Social enterprises are organizations or ventures that apply business methods to achieve their social mission and find solutions to social problems. SEA is the largest member network in North America dedicated to supporting and advancing the field of social enterprise.
“The social enterprise movement is often represented as cutting edge; but for nearly 110 years, Goodwill® has used social enterprise to help people earn jobs, build their careers and make positive contributions to their communities,” said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “The sale of donated items in Goodwill stores enables Goodwill to serve more than two million people a year.”
Goodwill’s mission is to provide job training programs and community-based services to people with disabilities, those who lack education or work experience, and others facing challenges to finding employment. Each of the 165 local and independent Goodwill agencies in the United States and Canada builds revenue to provide specialized career and skills training in growing fields specific to their communities. Goodwill advocates on behalf of people with disabilities and disadvantages, and helps them prepare for jobs in many in-demand fields, including green construction, health care, financial services and technology.
The partnership with SEA will allow Goodwill to share ideas and connect with global, national and regional experts on growing social enterprises and leverage resources and programs to support this vital sector. The partnership will also provide co-branding opportunities at SEA events and educational and training initiatives, as well as potential leadership opportunities within the SEA’s councils and committees.
“Goodwill’s extensive expertise in social enterprise will be a great benefit to our nearly 700 members dedicated to growing business to strengthen social impact,” said Lisa Nitze, president and CEO of SEA. “Our global partnership with Goodwill will allow our members to strengthen their communities and the people they serve.”
For more information about Goodwill and to learn more about Goodwill programs and services, visit goodwill.org. To learn more about SEA, visit www.se-alliance.org/.
