In December 2020, MacKenzie Scott made a $10 million gift to Goodwill Manasota, allowing the organization to launch new programs and expand existing ones to better serve the community. The Goodwill in Sarasota, FL, is now expanding the scope of its JobsPlus Language program to hire, train and retain up to 10 workers with no, or extremely limited, English fluency.
READ MORE from In Sarasota, Goodwill Expands JobsPlus Language Program
In response to the devastating impact COVID-19 has had on its communities, Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania (Goodwill SWPA) will be providing a total of $200,000 in thrift store vouchers throughout its 17-county territory in southwestern Pennsylvania and north central West Virginia. The Goodwill will work with area nonprofit and government partners to place “Give Back” vouchers to Goodwill thrift stores into the hands of those who need them.
Goodwill Manasota — based out of Sarasota, FL — was thrilled to learn last December that it was one of 384 nonprofits to receive multi-million-dollar gifts from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. In the wake of its $10 million windfall, the Goodwill is launching new programs as well as expanding existing programs, including its Veterans and Their Families Program, which will now be staffed and ready to assist in Venice and North Port.
READ MORE from Goodwill Manasota Expands Program for Veterans
In Tucson, the team at Goodwill Industries of Southern Arizona has been operating programs for individuals who have been involved with the justice system since 2012. Since that time, more than 500 individuals reentering the community have received services to address their many and varied needs.
Throughout the pandemic, social justice issues have continued to come to the forefront as a result of police brutality against people of color. That's why Goodwill of Southeastern Wisconsin and Metropolitan Chicago has amplified its efforts around diversity, equity and inclusion.
READ MORE from In Wisconsin, Goodwill Works to Advance Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Last year, the Goodwill of Greater Grand Rapids Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) training program was filled with many challenges. But the pandemic also brought a few unexpected opportunities.
READ MORE from In Michigan, Goodwill’s CNA Training Program Goes Hybrid
While stores and donation sites closed during the pandemic, Goodwill of Orange County redeployed its truck drivers, trucks, trailers and even warehouse space to aid in critically needed food distribution across the county.
READ MORE from In California, Goodwill of Orange County Distributes Food During Pandemic
Because of the impact of COVID-19 to the community as a whole, Goodwill Industries of Kansas added the manufacturing of face coverings to its production capabilities to supply frontline workers with critically needed PPE.
READ MORE from Kansas-Based Goodwill Manufactures Masks for Essential Workers
Since the pandemic began, volunteer placements at Goodwill Industries of Alberta (Canada) are in a holding pattern or they’ve been outright cancelled. This left many people within the Goodwill's Career Connections division without a place to contribute in the community. The Goodwill’s job development team took this challenge head-on and created “The Goodwill Volunteer Hub.”
In Dayton, OH, Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley is working to help young adults who have been involved with the justice system train for and earn employment.
READ MORE from Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley Reaches Justice-Involved Young Adults Amid Pandemic
April is Second Chance Month, and Goodwill Industries International is shining a light on some of the work we are doing to help people impacted by the criminal justice system. Recently, Goodwill teamed with Accenture to develop an innovative virtual experience called Project Overcome. The experience is designed specifically for people impacted by the criminal justice system who want to enter the workforce.
READ MORE from Project Overcome Helps Individuals Learn Interview Skills after Incarceration
In an effort to reduce poverty and homelessness in the Louisville area, Goodwill Industries of Kentucky will soon be offering a new way for unhoused individuals to earn money and connect with Goodwill's life-changing resources.
READ MORE from Van-to-Work Pilot Program Aims to Reduce Homelessness in Louisville Area
