Local Goodwill® Receives National Recognition for Excellence in Family Strengthening

Award Recognizes a Family-Inclusive Approach to Promote Economic Self-Sufficiency
Lufkin, TXGoodwill Industries of Central East Texas is one of three Goodwill agencies nationwide selected to receive a 2014 Family Strengthening Center of Excellence Award. The agency is recognized for its corporate philosophy and forward-thinking practices that help program participants, employees and their families reach personal financial goals. The Lufkin Goodwill was first awarded this honor in 2008.
“Goodwill believes that financial education paired with stable employment can open doors to long-term economic stability for individuals and families,” said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “Goodwill Industries of Central East Texas has been addressing the critical needs of families by providing financial literacy, career development programs and support services for youth and families with disabilities and other disadvantages.”
The Lufkin Goodwill offers industry-recognized construction credentials, career readiness skills, job placement and retention support to low-income high school students with disabilities through its YouthWorks program. The school-to-work curriculum provides access to financial education and other materials for 50 local teens annually. Participants can also access the award-winning Good Sen$e Family Financial Stability Program, which offers employees and community members access to financial education and asset-building resources. The agency also provides free tax preparation services including Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) outreach, financial coaching and emergency support to employees, program participants and their families.
The Family Strengthening Center of Excellence Awards are sponsored by Goodwill Industries International. The awards honor Goodwill agencies that incorporate family financial stability strategies into their mission, vision and program offerings.
Goodwill agencies also honored with the 2014 Family Strengthening Center of Excellence Awards include:

All three agencies will be honored May 16, 2014, during Goodwill’s annual spring conference in Washington, DC.