Goodwill of Central Arizona reports record numbers during Goodwill Industries Week

In this tough economy, Goodwill of Central Arizona is working harder than ever to meet record demands for its job training and employment services. May 3-9 marks Goodwill Industries Week, a time to celebrate the outstanding community support received by Goodwill, thus allowing the organization to make positive changes in its clients’ lives every day.

Already this year, Goodwill has seen more than 32,000 visits to its Career Centers and provided services to 11,000 individuals through Goodwill’s programs. Additionally, despite the lack of available jobs, 711 clients have been placed into employment opportunities.

“When you give to Goodwill, you are helping people who lack education or work experience, those who have a physical or mental disability, and others having a hard time finding employment,” said Jim Teter, President and CEO for Goodwill of Central Arizona. “We funnel 90 cents of every dollar generated in our stores into services to help people overcome challenges to employment.”

Goodwill continues to try and give a “hand up” to central Arizonans who seek its services by selling donations of gently-used clothing and household goods to fund its 36 human services programs that deal with employment barriers ranging from illiteracy to disabilities. Goodwill’s programs are designed to help individuals prepare for and find work. Such programs include those geared toward youth and preparing them to be successful at employment and those aimed at helping low-income seniors re-enter the workforce by placing them in paid training with community partner organizations. For more information about specific Goodwill programs, please visit our Programs and Services page.

As we celebrate Goodwill Industries week here locally, we want to thank central Arizonans for their generous, continued support. Through their donations – they are helping to revitalize individual lives and our local communities.

• Meet one of Goodwill's success stories - John Boyd!