Texas Goodwill® Association Leader and Six Members of Congress Honored with Goodwill Advocacy Awards

WASHINGTON, DC – Goodwill Industries International honored six members of Congress and the leader of a Goodwill state association with the nonprofit’s annual advocacy awards. The awards, which recognize commitment to advancing Goodwill’s mission of helping people build careers and gain employment, were presented on Tuesday, April 14, during a reception in Washington, DC, as part of Goodwill’s annual advocacy event.
Lori Henning, the recipient of the 2015 Advocacy Leader Award, has served as executive director of the Texas Association of Goodwills for 12 years. In that capacity, she’s worked with 14 Texas Goodwill agencies to develop a state public policy agenda that promotes Goodwill’s business and mission. She has advocated for legislation that enhances employment for people with disabilities, promotes youth development, increases funding for adult and basic education services, and outlines state electronic waste and reuse laws.
Receiving Goodwill’s Policymaker Awards were U.S. representatives Ander Crenshaw (R-FL), John Kline (R-MN), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), and Pete Sessions (R-TX); and U.S. senators Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Richard Burr (R-NC), Robert Casey (D-PA), and Patty Murray (D-WA). All were recognized for their willingness to meet and discuss issues of importance, such as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), with staff of local Goodwill agencies.
U.S. representatives Crenshaw and Sessions co-sponsored the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, which President Obama signed into law in December 2014. The legislation eases financial strains faced by individuals with disabilities by making tax-free savings accounts available to cover qualified expenses such as education, housing and transportation, without jeopardizing disabilities-related benefits. The other winners of the Policymaker Awards championed the bi-partisan passage of the act.
“Because of these leaders, Goodwill’s voice is heard in policy discussions at the state and national level, ensuring that more people can benefit from the services and programs Goodwill provides,” said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “We thank Lori and these valued members of Congress for advocating for those who do not typically have a voice in public policy.”
Since 1902, Goodwill has been helping people find jobs, build their financial stability, and strengthen their families and communities. This work has helped thousands of people build their careers and experience the pride and sense of community that work brings. Goodwill’s services include job training and community services, such as help in writing résumés, and providing job interview advice, financial education and mentoring. Last year, more than 9.8 million people benefitted from Goodwill’s services.
About Goodwill Industries International
Goodwill Industries International is a network of 165 community-based agencies in the United States and Canada with a presence in 14 other countries. Goodwill is one of America’s top 20 most inspiring companies (Forbes, 2014). Goodwill agencies are innovative and sustainable social enterprises that fund job placement programs and other community-based services by selling donated clothing and household items in more than 3,000 stores and online at shopgoodwill.com®. Local Goodwill agencies also build revenue and create jobs by contracting with businesses and government to provide a wide range of commercial services, including packaging and assembly, food services preparation, and document imaging and shredding. In 2013, more than 9.8 million people in the United States and Canada benefited from Goodwill’s career services. To learn more, visit goodwill.org.
To find a Goodwill location near you, use the online locator at Goodwill.org or call (800) GOODWILL. Follow us on Twitter: @GoodwillIntl and @GoodwillCapHill, and find us on Facebook: GoodwillIntl.
Contact
Charlene Sarmiento
Public Relations Program Manager
Goodwill Industries International
(240) 333-5590
[email protected]