Page 31 – Goodwill Industries International

Recognizing the Contributions of Older Americans in May

Smiling diverse group of elderly adults posing for a group photo with a blue banner reading Older Americans Month.

Older Americans Month is observed every May to celebrate older Americans and their many contributions to our communities, as well as to promote independent living, wellness, social engagement and employment among aging adults.

My Story: Stan Nesby

Smiling man wearing glasses and a navy windbreaker over a plaid shirt.

Stan Nesby is an older worker who is adamant about immersing himself in his community and surrounding himself with people who are dedicated to bettering the world. Proud of the work he has done and the support he received along the way, he talks excitedly about now being able to help others.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Bill Passes House

Front view of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. with the dome and flag, set against a clear blue sky.

The WIOA of 2022 passed along party lines 220-196. Four Republicans voted for the bill, along with every Democratic member. All Democratic and bipartisan amendments were approved on the floor, and amendments offered solely by Republicans were defeated.

My Story: Stephen Oun

Portrait of a smiling young man with short black hair and a goatee, wearing a black T-shirt and a gold chain.

As Stephen contemplates his next career move, he reflected on his time at Goodwill with fondness – realizing just how impactful Goodwill has been on his life. “It opened my eyes to a lot of things,” Stephen said. His journey to Goodwill began in high school when a teacher recognized Stephen’s interest in aviation and the ability Evergreen Goodwill’s Youth Aerospace Program could have in transforming a passion for flying and travel into a potential career.

The Power of Partnerships

Two men in suits on a stage during a panel discussion, with a blue backdrop and the 'We're Rising Together' banner.

There is strength in numbers, and this week included numerous opportunities for Goodwill Industries International to highlight some of our powerful partnerships and the good that can come when the public, private and nonprofit sectors work together.

My Story: March Henriott

Woman with glasses sits at a wooden desk using a laptop in an office/store setting

Since August 2021, one such older worker named March has been helping visitors of the Warsaw Career Center discover career opportunities and resources. Beyond connecting participants to employment opportunities, she often finds herself lending a listening ear — something she recalls was offered to her during her time in the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) through Goodwill Industries of Michiana.

My Story: Morning-Glory

Two women smile and pose together in front of a Goodwill storefront window.

Morning-Glory’s senior year of high school was cut short due to the pandemic. Unsure of what to do next, a family member referred her to Goodwill Hawaii for help and Morning met with program coordinator Siniva to learn more about their services. Within a few days, she was able to start a job at Burger King, but eventually she reached out to Siniva and told her that she wanted to do something more.

My Story: Sandra Campbell

Two women stand indoors by a large service door; one wearing a denim shirt and jeans, the other in a blue safety vest.

Sandra Campbell, came to Goodwill Industries of Kentucky (Louisville) seeking employment opportunities. Sandra was born with a disability, and she both lives with and supports her aging mother. Sandra has been successful helping her mother live independently by maintaining the basic chores of their home and maintaining a structured environment. Over time, however, Sandra has continued to strive for her own independence and financial stability and found she needed assistance to earn employment.

My Story: Charles Doddridge

Older man with glasses, wearing a blue cap and brown shirt, standing against a light gray wall.

Charles Doddridge is an older worker who can’t help but laugh when he talks about his past. He is not hesitant to share the mistake he’s made, and he is proud of the work he has done.

Lend Your Voice During Goodwill Week

Three Goodwill staff members and a child with a blue balloon, in front of a 'Happy Goodwill Week' banner.

Your support helps us achieve our mission, not just during Goodwill Week — but every day of the year.

My Story: Calvin Kāʻaialiʻi Matthews

Man at the beach wearing an olive shirt, making a shaka gesture with the ocean behind.

Calvin worked throughout the pandemic as an Ofﬁce Assistant with MedQUEST, the State of Hawaii’s medical coverage program for low-income adults and families, however, his wife lost employment due to COVID-19. During this time, their infant son required regular medical check-ups which was a concern especially during the ﬁrst year of COVID-19. Because of this, Calvin set a personal goal to complete his Google IT Certiﬁcate in order to gain more ﬂexible, well-paid and remote work in the IT ﬁeld.

Biden Administration Releases Equity Action Plans

American flag waving in front of a neoclassical government building with tall stone columns.

On his first day in office, President Biden signed Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government which directed the Federal Government to advance an ambitious whole-of-government equity agenda. As a result, over 90 federal agencies across the federal government, including all Cabinet-level agencies as well as over 50 independent agencies, recently released Equity Action Plans which outline steps being taken to improve equity and racial justice.