From May 6-12, Goodwill Southeast Georgia will celebrate Goodwill Industries Week and the mission impact its work has provided across the region. For more than 50 years, Goodwill Southeast Georgia has provided skills training, access to credentials and certifications, employment placement and job training, and community-based services for individuals facing challenges to finding employment, including people with disabilities and disadvantages, veterans and military families, older job seekers, and young adults. This year’s theme for the commemoration is Celebrating Our Communities, and Goodwill will focus on showing its appreciation for the communities who support its mission through donating, shopping, volunteering, financially or other means, and the impact they have on Goodwill’s programs and services to transform lives here in our community.
 
Goodwill Southeast Georgia provides job placement services, work readiness, skill development training and other community-based services, such as career counseling, hospitality training, GED preparation, financial education, resume preparation and high-risk youth services.
 
In March of 2018, Goodwill Southeast Georgia celebrated Michael B’s success participating in the ‘Hospitality Works!’ training and certification program.  His commitment and dedication, with support from Goodwill culminated in an interview and job offer before he had even graduated from the class.  He is now successfully employed and was recognized as the class’ most dedicated student, never being late or missing a class, while still walking 1 hour 20 minutes each way for every session.
 
“Goodwill’s hospitality program gave me the knowledge base I needed to feel confident going in for the interview. I love working with a diverse and positive team. I feel lucky to work in such a beautiful and inspiring environment” –Michael B.
 
Goodwill is made up of 162 autonomous, community-based nonprofit organizations that provide individuals and families with opportunities for economic self-sufficiency and improved quality of life. Last year, local Goodwill organizations collectively placed more than 288,000 people in employment in the United States and Canada. In addition, more than 65 million people used computers and mobile devices to access Goodwill education, training, mentoring and online learning services to strengthen their skills, and more than 2 million people received in person services.
 
“We always look forward to Goodwill Industries Week as a way to celebrate and spread awareness about our mission and its tremendous impact in communities,” said Michael Winkler, president and CEO of Goodwill Southeast Georgia. “This week, we invite people across the United States and Canada to celebrate with us by donating items that are no longer used and shop for new favorites, so that we can continue to serve the millions of people who are looking to improve their lives through the power of work.”
 
Goodwill Industries Week has been observed by local Goodwill organizations for more than 60 years, and it serves as an opportunity to celebrate the communities who support it and raise awareness about the Goodwill mission. Goodwill Southeast will be kicking off their recognition of Goodwill Week with their annual community awards dinner on May 3rd.  This event honor local businesses, community leaders who have partnered with Goodwill, as well as outstanding individuals who have participated in their programming.
 
In Goodwill Job Connection centers there will be additional training workshops, career development events and their 3rd Annual Job Fair Extravaganza. On May 9th, join Goodwill at the one of the three region-wide job fair locations to meet with employers and start on your path to success.  The celebrations continue throughout the retail stores with special promotions, free professional styling events, scavenger hunts and instant donor rewards. Donate often throughout Goodwill Week for chances to win a $5 off any in-store purchase and when you shop, join the hunt to find hidden prizes with more opportunities to win!  On May 5th at the Eisenhower store location or May 10th at the Pooler store, learn how to dress for success at work and at home from our professional stylist!