Goodwill Northern New England Invests in Local Nonprofits

This month Goodwill Northern New England (Goodwill NNE) launched a $50,000 program to help move more people in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont into personal stability. The Partner Stability Fund gives vouchers to nonprofits, which in turn gift them to their clients who are in need clothing and household items. Bangor Housing Authority, Penquis, Good Shepherd Food Bank, Joint Urban Ministry Project (JUMP), CATCH Neighborhood Housing and Families in Transition Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS) were selected to help push this initiative forward.

“When strong nonprofits work together, we multiply our impact. These organizations all have a long track records of supporting people who need a hand up to achieve a stable life. These vouchers will support their work and ours,” said Rich Cantz, president and CEO of Goodwill NNE. “Goodwill can’t be everywhere all the time. These partnerships amplify our efforts to help local people who need support.”

The vouchers also come with information about how to connect with Goodwill’s workforce services, which support anyone who needs help finding a job or career training. The Partner Stability Fund is supported by financial donors to Goodwill, along with revenue from the stores. To make a gift visit goodwillnne.org/gifts.

Additionally, Goodwill Northern New England will keep vouchers on hand for its employees who need support. Goodwill also hired several “Life Navigators” — a social worker position — to support employees through life’s challenges, whatever they may be.

“We look forward to having a more impactful and meaningful connection to our neighbors across our region. With all of us working together, we will reach our goal of moving 10,000 people into personal stability across Maine, New Hampshire and northern Vermont,” said Barbara Sawyer, who oversees the program.

Members of the public in need of support can receive free job help from Goodwill NNE, however the nonprofit is unable to supply vouchers to individuals directly.

Read more about the selected partner nonprofits that were chosen to launch Goodwill NNE’s Partner Stability Fund.