Austin, TX — Goodwill Central Texas (GCT) is one of three Goodwill agencies nationwide selected to receive the 2014 Goodwill Family Strengthening Center of Excellence Award. The award is given to an agency recognized for its track record of leadership and best practice development in promoting economic self-sufficiency with a family-inclusive approach. GCT, based in Austin, TX, offers a full suite of family strengthening and financial wellness services to both its employees and its program participants. The agency is being recognized as a nationwide leader in helping people learn how to manage their money and save for the future.
“With a fragile economy and continued high rates of unemployment, it is crucial for families’ success that they are able to create efficient long-term financial plans,” said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “Goodwill Central Texas has addressed the unique needs of local families by providing career development, financial literacy, certification programs, and other support services that help families achieve economic success.”
GCT has developed a wide range of programs, services and partnerships that connect employees and program participants with mainstream financial services, help them build assets, empower them to avoid predatory lending, and equip them with skills and training to advance their careers. GCT participates as a provider in a city-funded collaborative called Best Single Source (BSS+), which provides housing assistance to participants establishing financial stability.
GCT is also one of a select Goodwills to launch a Goodwill Career Academy, which in 2013 granted 113 individuals with post-secondary fast track certificates in in-demand industries. In addition to offering programs at no cost, the Goodwill Career Academy Career provides participants a Career Navigator who assists in identifying skills training opportunities while preparing participants for the Academy.
In August of 2014, GCT will open the first public adult high school in the state of Texas called The Excel Center. This accelerated program will open the doors for adults to create career and financial stability through a high school diploma. Applications to this free program are being accepted through June 18, 2014.
The Family Strengthening Center of Excellence Award is sponsored by Goodwill Industries International. They honor Goodwill agencies that incorporate family financial stability strategies into their organization’s mission, vision and program offerings.
Goodwill agencies also honored with the 2014 Family Strengthening Center of Excellence Award are:
- Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan (Kalamazoo)
- Goodwill Industries of Central/East Texas (Lufkin)
All three agencies will be honored on May 16 during Goodwill’s annual spring conference in Washington, D.C.
About Goodwill Central Texas:
Goodwill Central Texas is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the mission of generating lifelong connections to work. Revenue generated through the sale of donated goods is used to fund job training and employment programs for Central Texans. For more information about Goodwill Central Texas, go to goodwillcentraltexas.org.
Media Contact:
Zubin Segal, Coordinator of Public Relations
O: (512) 637.7183
[email protected]
