Midyear Report Shows Goodwill Serving Arizonans at Record-Setting Pace

Donations needed now more than ever to keep up with demand for services

An internal mid-year report indicates that Goodwill of Central Arizona is set for another record-breaking year of serving Arizona youth and adults in their quest to become independent through the power of work. The nonprofit organization, which is committed to providing high-quality job training and employment services to individuals with vocational barriers and disabilities, is on track to nearly double the number of individuals seeking its human services.

“More individuals are turning to Goodwill as their trusted source for employment assistance and necessary job skills training,” said Jim Teter, President and CEO for Goodwill of Central Arizona. “Our commitment to support individuals through workforce development remains steadfast, even as the demand rises.”

As of June 30, Goodwill has provided 14,889 with employment services, compared to a total of 23,000 individuals for all of 2008. Such services include Goodwill’s Computer and Customer Service Training program which prepares individuals for employment in the clerical, financial services or customer service fields. Other programs range from youth services that help youth ages 14-21 obtain the necessary hard and soft skills training for future employment , to the Senior Community Service Employment Program that helps retrain and place works 55 and older who want to reenter the workforce.

Goodwill’s nine Career Centers, which are an ever-growing community resource, have already seen more than 51,000 visits by midyear 2009 compared to 66,000 total in 2008. Goodwill’s Career Centers are free to the public and help individuals with every aspect of finding employment, from interview techniques to resume writing and job fairs with hiring companies.

The Goodwill organization, which relies very heavily on its retail stores to fund its 36 human service programs, needs community donations now more than ever. Ninety cents of every dollar generated through Goodwill’s 42 retail locations returns to the community to support its programs and services. Donations are accepted at any Goodwill location and donors receive the extra value of a 20 percent off coupon good toward their next purchase as well as a tax deduction.

“Generous donations of gently used clothing and household items are essential to the success of the work that we do each day,” said Teter. “With the record demand for our services – we are literally turning old stuff into new lives – empowering individuals and strengthening families.”

In addition to donations of material goods, Goodwill accepts cash donations at all of its retail store locations. The nonprofit is also eligible to accept donations as part of Arizona’s tax credits. Through the tax credit, taxpayers can earn dollar-for-dollar donations of up to $200 for a single person or $400 for a married couple who itemize their deductions and have deducted charitable contributions in their Arizona state income tax return at least once in order to establish a baseline year and amount. Individuals should see their tax advisor for details.

If you have additional questions, please contact Chandra Stewart at (602) 535-4037, or at chandra.stewart@goodwillaz.org.