Did you know that when you donate to or purchase from Goodwill, you have just helped someone receive job training and find a job? That’s how it works at Goodwill.
Our mission is to put people to work. Our donation centers and the stores that resell that merchandise (including our new Clearance Center in our Cottonwood store), exist solely to fund the programs and services that break down the barriers to employment.
Your donations and purchases help returning veterans, individuals with disabilities, those recently released from jail or prison, the unemployed and the underemployed.
It’s a simple equation: donors + shoppers = job creators!
Someone recently benefitting from that equation is Lily, one of our Job Connection specialists, who is a great example of the student becoming the teacher.
Lily was in search of employment when she saw her local Job Connection while out on a drive. She stopped in to learn what Goodwill might offer her, and was told about job training services, résumé building, assistance with job applications and job leads.
Having been out of the job market for more than three years, Lily felt her workplace skills were a bit rusty and was apprehensive about going on job interviews. But Goodwill helped her recapture those skills and become more confident.
In the process of honing her skills and looking for a job, Lily discovered that she enjoyed the atmosphere at Goodwill. So when the chance came to work at the Job Connection through the AmeriCorps program, she jumped at it. Now, Lily is the one helping others build their résumés, their talents and their confidence in finding a job.
Her duties include greeting and doing intakes for new and returning visitors to The Job Connection. She maintains and updates the job, community and resource boards that let job seekers know about available opportunities and services.
But what she really enjoys is the one-on-one time she gets with job seekers as she helps them secure jobs. “It is rewarding to see them regain their self-confidence, knowing that they can provide for their families,” she said.
Stories like Lily’s explain why Goodwill was recently ranked No. 1 in the Brand World Value Index, a survey on the brands people believe do the most good for the world.
Thank you for being part of the success of Lily and so many others that Goodwill helps find and keep jobs. QCBN
By Dave Meyers
Dave Meyers is the team leader of mission advancement for Goodwill Industries of Northern Arizona.