Goodwill Industries of Kentucky

So often, we are asked, "Why do you sell items you get for free?" We use revenue from our retail stores to help fund free programs for Kentucky's most vulnerable populations. Halfway through our fiscal year, here is what we have accomplished by selling donated items: • Awarded 1,621 Soft Skills Certificates and 230 Work-Ready Certificates • Achieved 1,213 job placements • Helped 116 Goodwillers earn higher-paying wages with partnering employers • Graduated 54 Kentuckians from financial literacy classes • Helped grant 1,525 expungements of criminal records (for free!) • Placed 138 individuals with bicycles • Matched 253 senior citizens with paid-training and career plans • Enrolled 304 job seekers into our RISE program • Transitioned 38 clients to independent housing • Helped 60 low- or no-credit Kentuckians purchase a vehicle by backing their loans and matching their down payments • Transitioned 408 individuals off government assistance into paid employment • Assisted 672 Kentuckians with disabilities with their benefits and employment • Connected 176 unhoused individuals with resources, paid daily stipend for a day's work • Gave away clothing vouchers to 337 individuals • Hosted training and development classes for 656 Goodwillers and clients • Assisted 233 families through our South Louisville food pantry • Graduated 50 adult learners from The Excel Center - Kentucky And much more. We could not operate these free, life-changing programs without the economic engine that is our retail stores. Thank you for your support.

Jennifer – a mother of three – was deep into addiction, living at a hotel, when she was charged with a misdemeanor. “The judge gave me a chance to do treatment, and I was really grateful, even though I didn’t want to go,” Jennifer said. “I went to a sober living home, and I sat and listened.” While at the sober living home, Jennifer was introduced to a Goodwill reentry program, designed to help individuals with background challenges reenter society. After a period of working in the fast-food industry, Jennifer was eventually hired to work part time at Goodwill’s Pikeville store before being promoted to a full-time cashier. During this time, she worked with Robby, her Goodwill career coach, to set goals related to budgeting, education and health. Jennifer now has her own place to live and plans to purchase a vehicle through the Goodwill Cars to Work program, which is designed to help people with low or no credit earn approval for a loan. She is also working toward earning her GED and plans to start sponsoring others. “I love the people here and the support I get,” Jennifer said. “I am real big into recovery. That comes first to me. I am grateful for all the programs Goodwill offers.”

Emery Scott Lee, director of our West Louisville Opportunity Center, was recently featured on WAVE Listens Live to discuss how the Center serves as a one-stop-shop for Kentucky job seekers who have barriers to employment. Since opening to the public in March, the Center has already served more than 500 clients. Maurice Douglas, client, shares his experience.

AJ wanted to pursue his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), but he wasn’t sure where to start. After a stint in prison, that journey became even harder. But after accepting a truck driver position at Goodwill, he realized his goal was in reach. He took part in our Work & Learn program, which allows employees to pursue educational opportunities while earning a paycheck. Now, after just over a year at Goodwill, AJ has earned his CDL and accepted his "dream" job. “Without Goodwill, none of this would be possible,” he said. “There was no way I could have paid for CDL school on my own. This has been my dream for the longest. … I just needed someone to believe in me. And that’s where Jordan and Goodwill came in.” Read AJ’s story here: https://shorturl.at/9Q1E8

Last week, 13 team leaders and assistant managers graduated from our Goodwill Retail Employee Advancement Training (GREAT) program. At Goodwill, we believe strongly in investing in our own employees and developing them both personally and professionally. Since its inception in 2018, the GREAT program has graduated 156 Goodwillers, of which 108 have been promoted!

Last week, we hosted a special graduation for our Power of Work program! The Power of Work team, under the leadership of Director of Community-Based Services Kimberly Boyd-Lane, GCDF, GCDFI, CEBP, has demonstrated excellence in operations since its inception in 2007. The program has enrolled more than 15,000 participants and has achieved 5,187 job placements. This outstanding accomplishment has given the Cabinet of Health and Family Services, the Department of Community Based Services and the Division of Family Support the confidence to award the Kentucky Work Program TANF and SNAP contract to Goodwill without an intermediary beginning today, July 1.

Today, we hosted a Public Relations Society of America - Bluegrass Chapter program at our West Louisville Opportunity Center! Panelists included CEO of Dare to Care Food Bank Vincent James Sr., Chief Administration Officer for Norton West Louisville Hospital Corenza Townsend and Director of Public Relations & Communications for Goodwill Barnard Baker. Attendees heard insights from our panelists about the exciting growth occurring in West Louisville and toured the new Campus!

After being incarcerated for complicity of robbery, Dillon knew he needed to make a change. He battled with substance use on and off for six years but participated in programming at the Men’s Healing Place. He came to the Goodwill South Louisville Opportunity Center searching for a second chance and a better life. He utilized several of our free programs to enhance his skillset before being hired at our 2nd Chance Outlet as a material handler in 2023. During his employment, he gained his forklift certification, participated in the Good Smiles program and purchased a vehicle. With the help of his career coach, Dane’Sha Thompson, Dillon decided to pursue a career in the welding industry. He participated in Goodwill’s Work & Learn program, where he was paid to attend night classes twice per week at The Knight School of Welding. Dillon received a certification in MIG Welding on February 22, 2024.   Dillon is proud to announce that he has accepted a welding job making $20 per hour with benefits that will assist him in continuing his journey for a better life. He wants to give thanks to the South Louisville Opportunity Center staff, his Senior Store Manager Lesley King and God. Dillon is a passionate employee and we are proud of his achievements!

We want to congratulate Stephanie, a production clerk at our Richmond story, for purchasing a vehicle through our Cars to Work program! Stephanie worked with her Goodwill career coach, Ashley, to gain financial literacy skills and create a budget, which allowed her to eliminate her transportation barrier. Congrats, Stephanie!

Today, we're recognizing Juneteenth at Goodwill! It commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas were finally informed of their freedom, marking a pivotal moment in our nation's history. It's a day to honor freedom and reflect on our ongoing journey towards equality. Earlier this week, 4-H students and chaperones visited our Lexington Opportunity Center to create Juneteenth decorations and prepare snack bags for our food-insecure clients.