News

Ecademie High School unveiled its new Ortiz Media Center to the public and Goodwill employees on Nov. 5 during an emotional and festive ceremony at the Eagles Campus.

The grand opening event, which was mainly held in the cafeteria, featured raffle drawings, snacks, refreshments and wonderful library-themed decorations created by the Ecademie students and staff.

San Francisco, CA. – Levi Strauss & Co. and Goodwill® recently introduced, “A Care Tag for Our Planet,” a new initiative that aims to put billions of pounds of unwanted clothing to good use instead of into landfills. Beginning in January 2010, the Levi’s® brand will be the first major retailer to include messaging on product care tags that encourages people to donate unwanted clothing.

Goodwill of Central Arizona is poised to offer another convenient location for community supporters who want to donate their gently used items in order to help us accomplish our mission to Put People to Work.

Goodwill will open our second donation center on Nov. 7 at 8251 W. Union Hills Drive in Glendale.

Approximately 300 people were waiting in line as the doors to Goodwill's newest retail store and donation center opened on Oct. 16. Employees got into the Halloween spirit by dressing up in costumes and the store was adorned with spooky decorations.

Not only did the nonprofit celebrate the grand opening of our 42nd store in central Arizona, Goodwill also kicked off our Haunted Hunt weekend promotion. Shoppers were able to get a head start on their treasure map at the new store only which is located at 575 W. Warner Road in Tempe.

Lynn Eide, a 61-year-old mother and Phoenix resident, believes that it is never too late for anyone to learn skills that will make them more valuable in the workplace.

Eide, who is a recent graduate of Goodwill's Computer and Customer Service Training (CCST) program, said she was determined to upgrade her knowledge of computers after her job of eight years as an Account Manager at an insurance agency in Mesa was eliminated.

Goodwill’s human services programs continue to attract significant numbers of Arizonans who are seeking work. One key way that Goodwill is able to match individuals with job opportunities is to put them face-to-face with hiring companies.

On September 22, Goodwill hosted more than 40 employers and organizations at its fourth job fair of the year in the Phoenix metro area. More than 725 jobseekers attended the fair, held at Anthem College in Phoenix.

Spending a few extra bucks on raffle tickets recently paid off in a major way for loyal Goodwill shopper Mary Ann Pelton.

Pelton was the lucky winner in Goodwill's August 28 drawing for a Compaq Notebook 15.4” Widescreen Computer.

According to recent research, 61 percent of ecademie High School students are reading at the 5th grade level or below.

In response to this staggering statistic, ecademie applied for and received a $206,000 grant from the Improving Literacy through School Libraries (LSL) program (U.S. Department of Education) so the school could establish a library and Goodwill could strengthen its commitment to help our students overcome their personal barriers.

Goodwill of Central Arizona has made it as a finalist in the Phoenix New Times Best of Phoenix Readers Poll. The 31st Annual Best of Phoenix Readers Poll gives readers the opportunity to recognize outstanding people and businesses within the Valley.

Message from the Goodwill of Central Arizona Board Chair and President/CEO:

2008 was an extraordinary year at Goodwill Industries of Central Arizona!

We are pleased to report that Goodwill Industries of Central Arizona is in a very strong position. With solid programs and an excellent management team, Goodwill is well-situated to continue to grow and provide much-needed services to the people of Arizona.