Goodwill Manasota reports increase in number of individuals served, impact on community

SARASOTA/BRADENTON, FL – Goodwill Manasota has released its program numbers for 2015 and the data shows record-breaking impact for the nonprofit organization, which serves Sarasota, Manatee, Desoto and Hardee counties. The organization is able to provide programs and services throughout the region thanks to its donors and the shoppers who frequent its retail outlets as well as financial contributions

In the last year, Goodwill Manasota assisted 22,739 individuals through its training, services and programs, and placed 961 people in jobs throughout the region, an increase of 40% from 2014. Approximately 41 million pounds were diverted from local landfills – a 5% increase over 2014 – thanks to Goodwill’s recycling and salvage efforts, green business practices, and resale of unwanted items donated by community members. Goodwill employees received 17,000 hours of on-the-clock training and education, enhancing their current and future career prospects and life goals. Additionally, Goodwill Manasota employed more than 800 people in our community; 57% of those individuals had barriers to self-sufficiency, including 113 with significant disabilities.

Goodwill Manasota served 358 veterans in 2015 through the Veterans Services Program, which launched in 2013, that helps veterans reintegrate back into the civilian workforce. In response to a growing urgency to help veterans in immediate need of housing, education and/or food, the Special Emergency Resources for Veterans (SERV) Program was created under the Goodwill Veterans Services Program. Additionally, this year Goodwill received a grant through the Department of Labor to implement a Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, which offers an even larger reach to help the veterans in our community.

”In 2015, Goodwill Manasota expanded its operations – with a new store in Lakewood Ranch and our Tech Connection Program, which refurbishes computers for resale – and continued to positively impact the local environment, economy and community. With the support of local community leaders, we created the SERV program, which enabled veterans to access emergency financial assistance,“ said Bob Rosinsky, president and CEO of Goodwill Manasota. ”Regardless of the state of our economy, our generous community enabled us to provide programs and services to nearly 23,000 local residents. We are sincerely grateful to our board of directors, donors, shoppers, supporters, volunteers and our incredible team members, who made our significant community impact possible.“

Goodwill Manasota also contributed to the well-being of the community through its Good Neighbor programs, classes that are designed to meet specific needs of neighborhood and community residents and are always free and open to the public. Numerous community groups and nonprofit organizations used Goodwill Community Rooms, which are available for programs and activities free of charge. The nonprofit partners with a multitude of other organizations – from the Girl Scouts, Children’s Guardian Fund and Rotary Club to Turning Points, Jewish Family & Children’s Service, Ave Maria Preparatory School and many more – for educational and human service benefit. Goodwill works with numerous local businesses to encourage corporate and individual philanthropy. The nonprofit is also well-known for its work on behalf of individuals with disabilities and veterans.

”We are very pleased with our 2015 numbers but are committed to improving on them in 2016,“ said Rosinsky. ”We believe that all who wish to work should know the pride of earning a paycheck and moving toward self-sufficiency. We are thrilled to provide a hand up and change lives through the power of work.“

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 2015, Goodwill Manasota served 22,739 people, placed 961 people in jobs and assisted 358 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, visit www.ex