FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2, 2010
GOODWILL IS HELPING PEOPLE FIND WORK DESPITE SLOW ECONOMIC GROWTH
Jobless Americans Struggle with Long-Term Unemployment
Los Angeles, May 4, 2010 — Federal government officials have said that the economy is on the road to recovery, but there are many people still struggling to find employment. This economic recovery won’t feel real until our friends and neighbors who are unemployed can earn paychecks and support their families. As it commemorates Goodwill Industries® Week (May 2 – 8), Goodwill® is seeking donations of gently used clothing and housewares so it can provide the job training programs, employment placement services and other community-based programs for people who need them most.
“At Goodwill, we are committed to helping people earn a living and improve their lives, families and communities,” said Doug Barr, president and CEO of Goodwill Southern California. “By shopping at and donating to Goodwill, you are giving your community a much needed economic boost by helping people learn the skills they need to find employment.”
There are 166 independent Goodwill agencies in the United States and Canada that tailor their job training programs and career services to meet the specific needs of employers in their communities. Goodwill provides a wide range of training, including computer courses, health care training, financial services, food service preparation and many more. Goodwill also helps people find jobs by contracting with government and businesses to provide commercial services such as packaging and assembly, custodial services, electronic recycling, and paper shredding.
“This Goodwill Industries Week, we thank you for helping us further our mission of helping people find jobs,” said Barr. “Your continued support strengthens our community and enables people to feel the pride and independence that work brings.”
About Goodwill Southern California:
GSC operates 63 retail stores, 41 attended donation centers, three campuses and 24 workforce/training centers in the counties of Los Angeles (north of Rosecrans Ave.), Riverside and San Bernardino. Charity Navigator, an independent charity evaluator, gave GSC its highest four-star ranking for eight consecutive years, because GSC spends 91 percent of its budget on programs that transform lives through the power of work. For more information about GSC and its programs, visit www.goodwillsocal.org.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Christianne Ray, community relations manager for Goodwill Southern California, 323.539.2095 or cray@goodwillsocal.org.
GreatNonprofits lists Goodwill Southern California as top-rated
Included on highly rated non-profit list for job training and placement
Los Angeles, Calif., Feb. 11, 2010 – Goodwill Southern California has been designated a top-rated job training and placement non-profit by GreatNonprofits.com. The list of top rated non-profits features organizations that best exemplify a commitment to serving their community’s growing need for jobs in this economy.
The ratings were posted during the 2010 Job Training and Placement Awards, hosted by GreatNonprofits, Goodwill Industries International, the International Association of Jewish Vocational Services, and Guidestar. Ratings were submitted by members of the public who have volunteered, donated, or been served by the nonprofits. The final list is available at http://greatnonprofits.org/reviews/issues/jobs/_.
“We are proud to be included as a highly rated job training and development organization,” says Goodwill Southern California president Doug Barr. “The value of positive reviews sets Goodwill aside as a leader in building stronger communities through job placement services.”
Goodwill Southern California’s mission of “transforming lives through the power of work” resulted in Goodwill assisting over 59,000 job seekers in 2009, and placing over 4,000 individuals directly in community employment with an average wage of $11.56.
About Goodwill Southern California
Since 1916, Goodwill has been turning donations and retail purchases into good jobs that have led to brighter futures for thousands of people with disabilities and vocational challenges. More than 59,000 people benefited from Goodwill Southern California’s (GSC) education, job training and placement programs last year. GSC operates 62 retail stores, 41 attended donation centers, three campuses and 24 service locations in the counties of Los Angeles (north of Rosecrans Ave.), Riverside and San Bernardino.
For more information about Goodwill and its programs, please call
1 (888) 4-GOODWILL or visit www.goodwillsocal.org.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Christianne Ray, community relations manager for Goodwill Southern California, 323.539.2095 or cray@goodwillsocal.org.
Goodwill launches online bookstore
Los Angeles, Calif., Feb. 26, 2010 – Goodwill Southern California (GSC) has launched an online site to sell books. Through Amazon.com, GSC will offer donated books that are determined to be of special value or interest. The site officially launches…
GSC stores will select donated books to be sold on the site. Books are scanned at stores, entered into the online system, and sent over to a main distribution center at GSC’s Los Angeles campus, where once sold, they are then sent off to the buyer. Goodwill clients, individuals working to increase job skills and gain work experience, are employed in the distribution center.
Not all books that are of special interest will be placed online. Goodwill shoppers will still have access to unique finds at Goodwill stores. Only a small portion of books from each store will be made available for online purchase.
“We look forward to being able to reach a wider range of shoppers through our online outlet,” says Doug Barr, president of Goodwill Southern California. “Funds generated from book sales go toward GSC mission services to transform lives through the power of work.”
For additional information, please contact Rita Maxwell at rmaxwell@goodwillsocal.org .
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Christianne Ray, Goodwill Southern California, 323.539.2095
MEDIA ALERT
This Earth Day, reuse and reduce with Goodwill
Los Angeles, April 15, 2010 – Thursday, April 22 marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, and one of the best ways people can be environmentally responsible is by donating and shopping at Goodwill Southern California, one of the original recyclers since 1916.
By supporting Goodwill, individuals are helping create much needed job opportunities throughout Los Angeles (north of Rosecrans), San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Revenues from the sale of donations help Goodwill provide job training programs, employment placement services and other community-based programs for people with disabilities, those who lack education or job experience, and others facing challenges to finding employment. More than 59,000 people with disabilities or vocational disadvantages benefit from Goodwill Southern California’s education, job training and placement programs each year.
Goodwill is an eco-conscious organization working to better our planet by recycling and acting responsibly. In 2009, Goodwill Southern California prevented 14.6 million pounds of textiles, 5.5 million pounds of electronics, and 5.9 million pounds of paper from landing in our landfills. A sample list of Earth Day Goodwill Southern California partnership events is as follows:
Los Angeles area E-Waste Collection Events:
Union Bank – employee event
Thursday, April 22, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
1980 Saturn Street
Monterey Park, CA 91755
Kaiser Permanente – employee event
Thursday, April 22, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Kaiser Permanente offices (Main Center)
393 E. Walnut Street, Pasadena, Calif.
INLAND EMPIRE E-WASTE COLLECTION EVENTS
San Manuel Casino- employee event
Wednesday, April 21, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
777 San Manuel Blvd.
Highland, Calif. 92649
About Goodwill Southern California:
GSC operates 63 retail stores, 41 attended donation centers, three campuses and 24 workforce/training centers in the counties of Los Angeles (north of Rosecrans Ave.), Riverside and San Bernardino. Charity Navigator, an independent charity evaluator, gave GSC its highest four-star ranking for eight consecutive years, because GSC spends 91 percent of its budget on programs that transform lives through the power of work. For more information about GSC and its programs, visit www.goodwillsocal.org.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Christianne Ray, community relations manager for Goodwill Southern California, 323.539.2095 or cray@goodwillsocal.org.
Goodwill Southern California Earns High Marks from Charity Navigator – Receives ninth consecutive four-star ranking for fiscal responsibility
Los Angeles, Calif., May 2010 – Charity Navigator issues Goodwill Southern California (GSC) its highest rating of four stars for the ninth consecutive year for its ability to “efficiently manage and grow its finances.”
“This exceptional designation from Charity Navigator differentiates Goodwill Southern California from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust,” states Charity Navigator’s Ken Berger, president and chief executive officer.
Less than one percent of the charities Charity Navigator rates have received at least nine consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Goodwill Southern California outperforms most charities in America in its efforts to operate in the most fiscally responsible way possible.
“This designation recognizes our continued commitment to transforming lives through the power of work,” said Douglas Barr, Goodwill Southern California’s president and chief executive officer. “Donations we receive allow us to make a direct impact in communities by providing employment assistance programs that help people with disabilities or other disadvantages find jobs. “
About Goodwill Southern California
Since 1916, Goodwill has been turning donations and retail purchases into good jobs that have led to brighter futures for thousands of people with disabilities and vocational challenges. More than 59, 000 people benefited from Goodwill Southern California’s (GSC) education, job training and placement programs last year. GSC operates 63 retail stores, 42 attended donation centers, three campuses and 24 community-based career resource centers in the counties of Los Angeles (north of Rosecrans Ave.), Riverside and San Bernardino.
For more information about Goodwill and its programs, please call
1 (888) 4-GOODWILL or visit www.goodwillsocal.org.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Christianne Ray, community relations manager for Goodwill Southern California, 323.539.2095 or cray@goodwillsocal.org.
Goodwill partners with Girl Scouts for Good Turn Day
Girl Scouts donate to Goodwill
Los Angeles, Calif., Feb. 26, 2010 – Goodwill Southern California and Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles are partnering for Good Turn Days, April 19 – 25, 2010. Good Turn Days is a fun community service project for Girl Scouts to collect gently used clothing and other items for donation to Goodwill Southern California and Goodwill of Southern Los Angeles County.
Girl Scouts will be delivering collected items to participating Goodwill stores. Collected goods will be resold to benefit Goodwill’s programs that provide training and jobs for jobseekers. Service learning projects such as Good Turn Week are an important part of the Girl Scout Experience and provide opportunities for girls to make a positive impact in their community. Participating Girl Scouts will receive a Good Turn Day badge to commemorate their participation.
“Goodwill and the Girl Scouts both strive to make a positive impact on our communities,” says Doug Barr, president of Goodwill Southern California, “Good Turn Day cultivates within young Girl Scouts the value of doing a ‘good turn’ for someone in need.”
For additional information, please contact Deanne Moore at (626) 677-2207 E-mail: dmoore@girlscoutsla.org
About Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles
The new Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles serves 45,000 girls and young women (grades K-12) in partnership with more than 22,000 volunteers from more than 350 diverse communities in Los Angeles County and parts of Kern and San Bernardino counties – all dedicated to the Girl Scout mission to inspire courage, confidence, and character and help change the world for the better.
Girl Scouts is a leadership program for girls that inspire character and skills for success in a safe and supportive environment. In every Girl Scout experience, girls discover themselves, connect with others, and make a difference in their communities and in their world. For more information on how to join, volunteer, or donate, call 1 888 GSGLA 4 U, (626) 677-2200 or visit www.girlscoutsLA.org.
About Goodwill Southern California
Since 1916, Goodwill has been turning donations and retail purchases into good jobs that have led to brighter futures for thousands of people with disabilities and vocational challenges. More than 59,000 people benefited from Goodwill Southern California’s (GSC) education, job training and placement programs last year. GSC operates 62 retail stores, 41 attended donation centers, three campuses and 24 service locations in the counties of Los Angeles (north of Rosecrans Ave.), Riverside and San Bernardino.
For more information about Goodwill and its programs, please call
1 (888) 4-GOODWILL or visit www.goodwillsocal.org.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Lowell King,
(909) 386-6230 direct
(951) 545-1170 cell
lking@goodwillsocal.org
Goodwill creating Hope, Jobs and Futures for those in need
Recognition ceremony honors outstanding Goodwill achievers and valued business partners
Los Angeles, Calif., June 22, 2010 – Goodwill Southern California (GSC) hosted its annual Hope, Jobs, and Futures recognition ceremony on Tuesday, June 8 at Victoria Gardens Cultural Center in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. The event, considered a “friendraiser,” is an opportunity for GSC to honor outstanding achievers, graduates and valued partners who help “transform lives through the power of work,” and make our planet a healthier and more environmentally friendly place to live.
“Goodwill’s mission is to serve persons with disabilities or other vocational challenges by providing services to help individuals become more self-sufficient and productive,” says GSC President and CEO Douglas Barr. “Hope, Jobs, and Futures is a Goodwill tradition. It is a heart-warming event that embodies Goodwill’s mission, honoring those who have made great strides towards success in their lives.”
Main HJF award recipients –
Goodwill honored Andre Thomas as its Achiever of the Year. On his own since age 14, Andre started on the wrong path by joining a gang and using drugs. He moved to California, homeless, met his wife on the streets and soon started a family. With new mouths to feed Andre realized he needed to turn his life around. Andre’s attempts to look for a job were unsuccessful. After one day noticing the Goodwill Job Services Center, he began visiting the center every day, actively working with staff to find employment. Andre secured a job working at Home Depot, and has since moved up in the company. He now looks forward to gaining more skills to better his career, and hopefully, having his own business one day.
Margaret Green, Goodwill’s Graduate of the Year has a neurological disorder called spina bifida, a developmental birth defect that requires Margaret to wear leg braces. After extensive coaching and on-the-job support with Goodwill, Margaret now works with group clients at Goodwill’s Cathedral City store to ensure that they complete all tasks and meet individual goals. Her clients see her as someone who has “made it” in the world at work and in her personal life, despite her physical challenges.
Greg Ramirez, job placement technician at Riverside College, was recognized as Champion of the Year. Greg has tirelessly served thousands of job seekers over the past eight years. His passion for Goodwill led to the successful launch of Goodwill’s Job Placement Services for Riverside and Moreno Valley areas in January 2010.
About Goodwill Southern California
Since 1916, Goodwill has been turning donations and retail purchases into good jobs that have led to brighter futures for thousands of people with disabilities and vocational challenges. More than 59,000 people benefited from Goodwill Southern California’s (GSC) education, job training and placement programs last year. GSC operates 63 retail stores, 42 attended donation centers, three campuses and 24 service locations in the counties of Los Angeles (north of Rosecrans Ave.), Riverside and San Bernardino.
For more information about Goodwill and its programs, please call
1 (888) 4-GOODWILL or visit www.goodwillsocal.org.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Lea Fierro, community relations coordinator for Goodwill Southern California, 323.539.2152 or lfierro@goodwillsocal.org
Goodwill creating Hope, Jobs and Futures
Recognition ceremony honors outstanding Goodwill achievers and valued business partners
Los Angeles, Calif., May 21, 2010 – Goodwill Southern California (GSC) hosted its annual Hope, Jobs, and Futures recognition ceremony on Thursday, May 20 at the Langham Hotel in Pasadena, Calif. The event, considered a “friendraiser,” is an opportunity for GSC to honor outstanding achievers, graduates and valued partners who help “transform lives through the power of work,” and make our planet a healthier and more environmentally friendly place to live.
Goodwill honored Leo Padilla as its “Achiever of the Year.” This award recognizes an outstanding individual with a disability or other disadvantaging condition who has shown great progress and accomplishment in overcoming challenges to employment, while benefiting from the Goodwill work environment. Leo, a high school drop-out struggling to help support his family after his mother’s death, came to Goodwill with a deep desire to make changes in his life. Leo’s experience with GSC’s Work Experience Program led to a job offer with a Goodwill retail store. With guidance and support from Goodwill, he obtained his high school diploma and is working towards attending college and obtaining a degree.
“Before, I couldn’t get a job,” says Leo. “Through the help of Goodwill, I am now employed and able to support my family.”
“Goodwill’s mission is to serve persons with disabilities by providing services that remove barriers to employment,” says GSC President and CEO Douglas Barr. “Hope, Jobs, and Futures event is an opportunity for Goodwill to recognize the achievements of individuals that have relied on Goodwill programs to develop the skills and connections required to make significant changes in their lives.”
Organizations recognized for their partnership and support of Goodwill included: Bank of America, NISH Pacific West Region, Ashley Furniture HomeStore, Copper Eagle Patrol & Security, Kaiser Permanente, Los Angeles Federal Credit Union and Microsoft Corporation.
About Goodwill Southern California
Since 1916, Goodwill has been turning donations and retail purchases into good jobs that have led to brighter futures for thousands of people with disabilities and vocational challenges. More than 59,000 people benefited from Goodwill Southern California’s (GSC) education, job training and placement programs last year. GSC operates 63 retail stores, 42 attended donation centers, three campuses and 24 service locations in the counties of Los Angeles (north of Rosecrans Ave.), Riverside and San Bernardino.
For more information about Goodwill and its programs, please call
1 (888) 4-GOODWILL or visit www.goodwillsocal.org.
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