# Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona

> Ending poverty through the power of work. Donations and thrift-store purchases fund free career coaching, an adult high school diploma program, and K-12 education for Arizonans -- open to anyone.

Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona (GCNA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1947, serving communities across central and northern Arizona, including Yuma. The mission is empowering individuals, strengthening families, and building stronger communities. The conversion is direct: donations and retail purchases fund free career coaching, job training, certifications, and education programs -- the same way the organization has worked since its founding.

GCNA operates four program pillars:

- **Career Services** -- holistic, no-cost employment support for any Arizonan, including job seekers and veterans. Delivered online through MyCareerAdvisor.com. 
- **Veteran Career Center** -- dedicated in-person veteran services at 16th St. & Indian School, with a Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Veteran Service Office available for walk-ins Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 AM-2 PM.
- **The Excel Center (TEC)** -- tuition-free charter high school for adults 18 and older; standards-aligned diploma plus stackable career certifications, with free drop-in daycare, transportation assistance, and career coaching for every student.
- **Spark Community Schools** -- small, mixed-age K-12 classrooms designed for collaboration and leadership development.

No-cost career services include access to community resources, career assessments, computer and essential skills training, connections to job leads, interview skills development, job search strategies, labor market information, one-on-one career coaching, on-site hiring events, resume assistance, job postings, in-person high school diploma at The Excel Center, skill certifications at The Excel Center, and K-12 child education at Spark Community Schools.

GCNA stores run a recurring weekly discount calendar:

- **Color Tag of the Week** -- 50% off all items with the featured tag color, every day; the active color is posted at each store entrance.
- **Discount Sunday** -- 25% off the entire purchase for military, students, teachers, and first responders with valid ID.
- **Senior Discount Tuesday** -- 25% off the entire purchase for shoppers 55 and older with valid ID.
- **$2 Tag Day Thursday** -- select items priced at $2; the active color is posted at the store entrance.

Sustainability is part of the same loop: GCNA collects donated goods, sells them for reuse, or sorts them for recycling, diverting more than 200 million pounds of materials from local landfills each year. Current focus areas are plastics and textiles, the two largest contributors to U.S. landfill waste.

## Mission and organization

- [About Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona](https://www.goodwillaz.org/about-us/): How donations and purchases fund the organization's career, veteran, and education programs across central and northern Arizona.
- [Our Mission and Vision](https://www.goodwillaz.org/about-us/our-mission/): Mission to empower individuals, strengthen families, and build stronger communities; vision of ending poverty through the power of work.
- [Leadership Team](https://www.goodwillaz.org/about-us/our-team/): Executive leadership; in 2024 GCNA partnered with Goodwill San Francisco Bay.
- [Community Partnerships](https://www.goodwillaz.org/about-us/community-partnership/): City of Phoenix curbside donation pickup, and Town of Gilbert 24/7 monitored donation containers at Discovery Park and Cactus Yards.
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.goodwillaz.org/about-us/faqs/): Returns policy (purchase receipt and original tag required), donation acceptance, tax receipts, and common shopper and donor questions.
- [Annual Reports](https://www.goodwillaz.org/annual-reports/): GCNA's annual impact reports.
- [Contact](https://www.goodwillaz.org/contact-us/): Customer service, donation questions, and general contact for the organization.

## Career and veteran services

- [Career and Training Services Overview](https://www.goodwillaz.org/mission-services/): The full menu of no-cost employment services: assessments, coaching, training, certifications, job leads, and hiring events.
- [Training Classes and Workshops](https://www.goodwillaz.org/mission-services/career-services/): No-cost training classes, resume help, mock interviews, computer and soft-skills training, and industry-recognized certifications.
- [Career Services Resources Hub](https://www.goodwillaz.org/mission-services/career-services/resources/): Catalog of GCNA's free job-search articles, guides, and tools -- resumes, interviews, networking, soft skills, and more.
- [Veteran Career Center](https://www.goodwillaz.org/location/16th-st-indian-school-veteran-career-center/): 4005 N 16th St, Phoenix; open Mon-Fri 9 AM-4 PM (602-535-4212); on-site Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Service Office walk-ins Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 AM-2 PM.
- [Services for Business](https://www.goodwillaz.org/mission-services/services-for-business/): Recruitment partnership for employers; access to GCNA's pre-interviewed job-seeker pool across all skill levels.
- [Jobs at Goodwill](https://www.goodwillaz.org/mission-services/jobs-at-goodwill/): Careers across retail, warehouse, transportation, and mission services -- with competitive pay, benefits, mentorship, and paid volunteer time off.

## Education

- [Education Services](https://www.goodwillaz.org/education-services/): GCNA's education programs designed to remove barriers and help adults and children achieve their goals.
- [The Excel Center (TEC)](https://www.goodwillaz.org/excel-center/): About GCNA's adult charter high school program -- modeled on Indianapolis Excel Centers ($12,000 average wage-increase outcome), offering diploma, workforce credentials, childcare, and career coaching.

## Thrift stores and shopping

- [Find a Store](https://www.goodwillaz.org/locations/): Directory of GCNA thrift stores across central and northern Arizona; thousands of unique items arrive daily.
- [Shop and Save](https://www.goodwillaz.org/shop-save/): What's in stores -- unique finds, on-trend items, and the rotating weekly discounts.
- [Coupons and Store Specials](https://www.goodwillaz.org/shop-save/coupons-store-specials/): The full color-tag calendar plus Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday discount details.
- [Shop Online](https://www.goodwillaz.org/shop-online/): Goodwill's online thrift shop for items beyond local store inventory.
- [How to Shop the Clearance Center](https://www.goodwillaz.org/how-to-shop-the-goodwill-clearance-center/): How the by-the-pound Clearance Center works for serious thrifters and resellers.
- [Clearance Center Rules](https://www.goodwillaz.org/clearance-center-rules/): What to expect and the rules for shopping the Clearance Center.
- [Phoenix Suns Shop](https://www.goodwillaz.org/suns-shop/): Phoenix Suns-branded thrift items; purchases fund no-cost career services.
- [Goodwill Gift Cards](https://www.goodwillaz.org/shop-save/goodwill-gift-cards/): Online balance check for Goodwill merchandise and gift cards; valid at participating GCNA stores.

## Ways to donate

- [Ways to Donate](https://www.goodwillaz.org/ways-to-donate/): The four channels -- drop-off, donation bins, fundraisers, and monetary gifts -- and how to choose.
- [Donate (Donation Centers and Accepted Items)](https://www.goodwillaz.org/donate/): Donation overview -- tax-deductible status, digital donation receipts, and commercial-property partnerships for hosting 24-hour drop-off bins.
- [Monetary Donations](https://www.goodwillaz.org/donate/monetary-donations/): Monthly giving program -- sample tiers: $25/month funds resume help and interview training; $50/month funds one-on-one career coaching (12 hours/year); $75/month funds skills-training classes.
- [Car and Vehicle Donations](https://www.goodwillaz.org/donate/car-donations/): Donate a car or other vehicle; proceeds directly fund career, veteran, and education services.
- [Computer and Electronics Donations](https://www.goodwillaz.org/donate/computer-donations/): Donate computers and electronics; processed responsibly through the Dell Reconnect partnership.
- [Schedule a Home Pickup](https://www.goodwillaz.org/donate/home-pick-up/): Schedule a pickup for larger donations directly from your home.
- [Donation Tax Receipts](https://www.goodwillaz.org/donation-receipt/): Get a receipt for tax-deductible donations.
- [Estimated Donation Values](https://www.goodwillaz.org/estimated-donation-values/): Reference values for commonly donated items -- for tax-deduction estimation.
- [Suns Donate Campaign](https://www.goodwillaz.org/suns-donate/): Phoenix Suns-branded donation campaign supporting GCNA's mission.
- [Goodwill Donation Bins](https://www.goodwillaz.org/donation-bins/): GCNA's network of donation bins across the Valley; local impact stays local.
- [Host a Donation Bin (Schools)](https://www.goodwillaz.org/goodwill-donation-bin/): Schools can host a donation bin and earn money for their programs.
- [Host Donation Bins (Organizations)](https://www.goodwillaz.org/host-donation-bins/): Information for organizations interested in hosting donation bins.
- [Monitored Donation Containers](https://www.goodwillaz.org/monitored-donation-containers/): 24/7 attended donation containers; current Gilbert locations at Discovery Park and Cactus Yards.
- [Host a Fundraiser](https://www.goodwillaz.org/fundraiser/): Partner with Goodwill to run a fundraiser that raises money for your group.
- [Dell Reconnect Partnership](https://www.goodwillaz.org/dell-reconnect/): Electronics recycling partnership with Dell -- accepts any brand of computers, accessories, batteries, and printer supplies in any condition; funds skills training and job experience for GCNA participants.

## Sustainability

- [Sustainability](https://www.goodwillaz.org/sustainability/): GCNA diverts more than 200 million pounds of materials from local landfills each year; current focus on plastics and textiles.
- [Earth Month](https://www.goodwillaz.org/earth-month/): Annual sustainability programming and community participation events.
- [Hazardous Waste Collection](https://www.goodwillaz.org/hazardouswastecollection/): Household hazardous waste collection program.

## Community and partnerships

- [Change Campaign](https://www.goodwillaz.org/community/): Service-pillar landing covering Veteran Career Center, Excel Center adult education, and Career Development Services -- all free to the public.
- [Partnerships Overview](https://www.goodwillaz.org/partnerships/): How GCNA partners with municipalities, schools, and employers across the region.
- [Business and Community Advisory Council](https://www.goodwillaz.org/business-and-community-advisory-council/): A council of business, education, workforce, and community leaders advising GCNA on its mission.

- [Real Estate Partnerships](https://www.goodwillaz.org/real-estate-partnerships/): Retail expansion opportunities for property owners; Thrive Real Estate Group is GCNA's vendor of choice for site submissions.
- [Goodwill Foundation](https://www.goodwillaz.org/goodwill-foundation/): Invests in programs and facilities that combine education, training, and humanitarian resources.
- [Philanthropy Events](https://www.goodwillaz.org/philanthropy-events/): Annual fundraising and stewardship events that support GCNA's mission.
- [Request a Mission Tour](https://www.goodwillaz.org/request-a-mission-tour/): Schedule an in-person tour of GCNA's career and education programs.

## Events and media

- [Events Calendar](https://www.goodwillaz.org/events/): Upcoming events, job fairs, community programs, and store openings.
- [Promotions](https://www.goodwillaz.org/promotions/): Current promotions landing.
- [Media Kit](https://www.goodwillaz.org/media-kit/): Media inquiries, brand assets, and press resources.

## Optional

- [Blog](https://www.goodwillaz.org/blog/): GCNA's full blog catalog -- career advice, thrift inspiration, sustainability, and organization news.
- [Holiday Promotions](https://www.goodwillaz.org/promotions-holiday/): Holiday-season promotions and store offers.
- [Goodwill Scavenger Hunt](https://www.goodwillaz.org/goodwill-scavenger-hunt/): Community scavenger hunt event held at participating stores.
- [Avoid Easy Cover Letter Mistakes](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/avoid-easy-cover-letter-mistakes/): Common cover-letter slips -- address the right person, watch for template carryover from other applications.
- [Behavioral Interview Questions](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/behavioral-interview-questions/): Handling "Tell me about a time..." questions by demonstrating soft skills with concrete stories.
- [Business Email Etiquette](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/business-email-etiquette/): Professional email norms -- job-search email addresses, professional closings, clarity over casualness.
- [Calling to Follow Up on Your Application](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/calling-to-follow-up-on-your-application/): When and how to follow up -- wait two to three weeks before checking in.
- [Career Mentors](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/career-mentors/): Finding a mentor -- company programs, multi-mentor approaches, maintaining individuality.
- [Careers Without a College Degree](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/careers-without-a-college-degree/): Career paths without a four-year degree -- carpentry, certifications, two-year associate's options.
- [Different Types of Interviews](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/different-types-of-interviews/): Interview formats -- one-on-one, panel, job fair, and video -- and how to navigate each.
- [Do You Have Any Questions For Us?](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/do-you-have-any-questions-for-us/): Ten strong end-of-interview questions plus advice on tailoring them to the role.
- [Do You Need a Returnship?](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/do-you-need-a-returnship/): What a returnship is -- structured re-entry programs at companies like Goldman Sachs for adults returning to work.
- [Don't Forget About Self-Care](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/dont-forget-about-self-care/): Sustaining a job search without burnout -- milestones, small rewards, and asking for help.
- [Figuring Out Company Culture](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/figuring-out-company-culture/): Researching company culture through the company website, Glassdoor reviews, and industry signals.
- [Functional Resume](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/functional-resume/): The skills-based resume format -- best when re-entering work, covering gaps, or changing careers.
- [Goodwill Offers No-Cost Training and Webinars](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/goodwill-offers-no-cost-training-and-webinars/): Goodwill's free webinars -- Personal Branding, Microsoft Office and computer basics, Career Assessment.
- [How a Letter of Interest Can Land You a Job](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/how-a-letter-of-interest-can-land-you-a-job/): Using a letter of interest to pursue unlisted roles -- address a specific person, show company understanding.
- [How to Dress for Career Success](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/how-to-dress-for-career-success/): Interview attire by company culture -- corporate vs. more relaxed workplaces.
- [How to Prepare for a Successful Hiring Fest](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/how-to-prepare-for-a-successful-hiring-fest/): Preparing for a Hiring Fest job-fair event -- networking, attire, what to bring.
- [How to Resign on Good Terms](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/how-to-resign-on-good-terms/): Resigning professionally -- keep performing, tell your boss first, clean up your workspace.
- [Infographic Resume](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/infographic-resume/): When a visual infographic resume helps and when a traditional chronological format is safer.
- [Intro to Networking](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/intro-to-networking/): Networking fundamentals -- Recruiting Thursdays, building professional relationships, doing research before events.
- [Job Application References](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/job-application-references/): Choosing references and briefing them with details about the jobs you're applying to.
- [Managing Job Hunting Stress](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/managing-job-hunting-stress/): Handling job-search stress during the holidays -- career-center support and human connection.
- [My Career Advisor Features](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/my-career-advisor-features/): MyCareerAdvisor.com -- resume generator, 9-to-5 live chat with career staff, customized job search, online training modules.
- [Seasonal Holiday Job Opportunities](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/seasonal-holiday-job-opportunities/): Where to find seasonal holiday work -- warehouse, customer service, retail.
- [Should You Write a Resume or a CV?](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/should-you-write-a-resume-or-a-cv/): Resume vs. CV -- when each applies and how they differ in length and content.
- [Skills to Remove from Your Resume](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/skills-to-remove-from-your-resume/): Outdated skills to cut -- basic Microsoft Office and listing high school once you have higher credentials.
- [Soft Skills 100 -- Introduction](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/soft-skills-100-introduction/): Intro to Goodwill's Soft Skills 100 course -- workplace fundamentals starting with positive attitude.
- [Soft Skills 100 -- Teamwork and Collaboration, Part 1](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/soft-skills-100-team-work-and-collaboration-part-1/): Conflict resolution at work -- the C.A.L.M. framework (Clarify, Address, Listen, Manage).
- [Soft Skills 100 -- Teamwork and Collaboration, Part 2](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/soft-skills-100-teamwork-and-collaboration-part-2/): Teamwork, diversity and inclusion, and time-management in the workplace.
- [STAR Technique](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/star-technique/): The Situation-Task-Action-Result interview framework for behavioral questions.
- [Succeeding in a Phone Interview](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/succeeding-in-a-phone-interview/): Preparation, professional greeting, and taking notes during a phone screen.
- [Tackling Standard Interview Questions](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/tackling-standard-interview-questions/): Anticipating common questions through company research and mock-interview practice.
- [Tips for Landing a Seasonal Position](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/tips-for-landing-a-seasonal-position/): Landing seasonal work -- customer service, retail, warehouse -- with help from Goodwill Career Centers.
- [Top Hiring Industries in Arizona](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/top-hiring-industries-in-arizona/): Top hiring sectors in Arizona -- clerical, custodial, social services and nonprofits.
- [Unconventional Interview Questions](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/unconventional-interview-questions/): Handling unusual interview questions -- focus on showing thought process, not finding a "right" answer.
- [Video Interviews](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/video-interviews/): Preparing for a video interview -- test your equipment ahead of time, manage sound and lighting.
- [What Are Soft Skills?](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/what-are-soft-skills/): Examples of soft skills -- flexibility, creative thinking, teamwork -- and how to demonstrate them in interviews.
- [What is a Disruptive Cover Letter?](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/what-is-a-disruptive-cover-letter/): Narrative cover letters that open with a story instead of restating the resume.
- [What to do on the First Day of a Job](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/what-to-do-on-the-first-day-of-a-job/): Arriving early, setting goals, and making a strong first impression on day one.
- [Write a Positive Letter of Resignation](https://www.goodwillaz.org/resources/write-a-positive-letter-of-resignation/): What a resignation letter is, why it matters even when not required, and how to write one professionally.