Community Spotlight Community Spotlight: Goodwill Named

 

“At Goodwill, we know firsthand the benefits of having a diverse and inclusive workforce and believe that all people, including those with disabilities, need to be integrated into the workforce to make our economy stronger,” said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International.

 

For more than 110 years, Goodwill has helped people navigate the challenges they face when seeking employment, including disabilities, lack of education or work experience, and other factors that make it difficult for them to gain employment and build careers. Goodwill staff members work with people to develop their employment skills, including résumé writing, job interview practice, job search help and other career services. 

 

Roughly four out of five people with disabilities nationwide are outside of the labor force. People with disabilities can receive a number of services through Goodwill, including access to assistive technology, soft skills training, occupational therapy, transportation, and other accommodations that may be needed to perform their jobs. In addition, Goodwill trains people to work in a variety of high-growth industries outside of Goodwill such as computer programming, construction, financial services, health care and many others.

 

Locally, Goodwill Manasota's Supported JobsPlus (SJP) program helps individuals with disabilities to secure employment and feel the pride of earning a paycheck. Implemented in 2005, the SJP program targets sustainable employment for those with significant disabilities. Part of the process includes identifying specific jobs at each store to earmark for a person with a disability. Through partnerships with agencies throughout Sarasota, Manatee, Hardee and DeSoto counties, individuals who have been unsuccessful obtaining employment elsewhere and have a desire to work are referred to Goodwill. As positions at Goodwill become available, the agencies are notified and applicants are interviewed. 

 

In 2014, Goodwill surpassed a hiring milestone: the organization has created 100 jobs for team members with significant disabilities. Funding from foundations and local supporters enables Goodwill to continue the positive impact of hiring those who might otherwise be overlooked by employers.

 

“So many deserving, hard-working individuals are overlooked in our workforce – we are proud to match the abilities of these individuals to jobs right here in the community,” said Goodwill Manasota president and CEO Bob Rosinsky.  “Too often, disability is considered over ability. We want to empower people and show them they are worth the time and investment to help them achieve job and life success.”

 

Harris Poll EquiTrend is based on a sample of 38,670 U.S. consumers ages 15 and over surveyed online in English between January 8 and February 2, 2015. , Of the 1,410 total brands included in this year’s study, each respondent was asked to rate a total of 40 randomly selected brands. Each brand received approximately 1,000 ratings.

 

About Goodwill Manasota

Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With the sales of donated goods and philanthropic donations, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities and other barriers to employment by providing job skills training and employment opportunities. In 2014, Goodwill Manasota served more than 16,000 people, placed 680 people in jobs and assisted 520 veterans as they reintegrated back into the civilian workforce. Goodwill Manasota’s economic impact back to the community is worth $81.3 million. Goodwill is one of the pioneers of the reduce-reuse-recycle movement and this past year diverted 39 million pounds out of the landfill. We accomplish our mission through a network of Good Neighbor Centers in Sarasota, Manatee, Hardee and DeSoto counties and our Mission Development Services (MDS) around North America. Goodwill Manasota is accountable to a local Board of Directors. Goodwill Manasota in essence belongs to this community, and is not owned by any individual or company. For more information, visitwww.experiencegoodwill.org.