Goodwill(R) Employment Programs Benefited Nearly 2 Million People In 2009

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May 03, 2010, 12:26 ET

Goodwill Meets Record-Breaking Job Training Demand During Employment Uncertainty

ROCKVILLE, Md., May 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Last year, Goodwill® provided job training programs, career counseling and other support services to a record-breaking 1.9 million people, a 28-percent increase over 2008. This Goodwill Industries® Week, May 2-8, Goodwill is encouraging people to donate their gently used household goods and clothing so that the organization can continue to provide critical community-based programs to people in need.

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Through its network of 166 independent headquarter agencies throughout the United States and Canada, Goodwill collectively garnered an estimated $3.7 billion in revenues in 2009, and channeled 83 percent of those revenues directly into programs to help people improve their lives, families and communities.

"In this time of economic uncertainty, Goodwill is seeing increased demand for its job training services," said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. "We believe that work creates the economic energy that builds strong families and strong communities."

Goodwill generates opportunities for people to achieve economic stability by offering employment training to people who have disabilities, those who lack education or job experience, and others who face challenges to finding employment. By selling donations in more than 2,400 stores as well as online at shopgoodwill.com, Goodwill creates thousands of jobs and generates billions in revenues to fund its support services.

Each local Goodwill agency tailors programs to meet the specific needs of job seekers and employers in the region where it operates. These tailored programs enable people from all backgrounds to feel successful, valuable and dignified through the power of work.

"Each of Goodwill's services is essential to building strong communities, and each provides employment opportunities that make people feel good about themselves," said Gibbons. "This Goodwill Industries Week and every day, we thank our donors and shoppers for helping further Goodwill's mission of helping people find jobs and experience the pride and independence that comes from working."

To learn more about Goodwill programs in your community, visit www.goodwill.org or call (800) 741-0186.

ABOUT GOODWILL INDUSTRIES INTERNATIONAL

Goodwill Industries International is a network of 180 community-based, independent agencies in the United States, Canada, and 13 other countries. Goodwill is one of the nation's top five most valuable and recognized nonprofit brands as well as a leading social services enterprise (Source: Cone Nonprofit Power Brand 100, 2009). Goodwill agencies are innovative and sustainable social enterprises that fund job training programs, employment placement services and other community-based programs by selling donated clothing and household items in more than 2,400 retail stores and online at shopgoodwill.com. Local Goodwill agencies also build revenue and create jobs by contracting with businesses and government to provide a wide range of commercial services, including packaging and assembly, food service preparation, and document imaging and shredding. In 2009, nearly 2 million people in the United States and Canada benefited from Goodwill's career services. Goodwill channels 83 percent of its revenues directly into its programs and services. To find your local Goodwill, use the online locator at www.goodwill.org or call (800) 741-0186.

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SOURCE Goodwill Industries International