Five Members of Congress and a Goodwill® Leader Honored with Goodwill Advocacy Awards

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Apr 13, 2016, 08:00 ET

WASHINGTON, April 13, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Goodwill Industries International (GII) honored five members of Congress and the director of mission strategies for Goodwill Industries of Central and Coastal Virginia (Richmond) with the nonprofit's annual advocacy awards. The awards, which recognize commitment to advancing Goodwill's mission of helping people build careers and gain employment, were presented on Tuesday, April 12 during a reception in Washington, DC, as part of Goodwill's annual advocacy event.

Sharon Taylor, the recipient of the 2016 GII Advocacy Leader Award, has served as the director of mission strategies for the Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia since 2007 and celebrates 30 years of service for Goodwill this year. She has advocated for policy priorities including funding for the Workforce Investment Act reauthorization (now known as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) and employment opportunities for people with disabilities, as well as investments to continue to rebuild resources for job training programs. She also worked to develop a "Public Policy Page" on her Goodwill's intranet to quickly disseminate policy information across her organization. Recognized as her organization's public policy, government regulations and legislative expert, she works to engage leaders within her 39-county territory, participates with the Virginia Goodwill Network in all advocacy activities and attends all legislative receptions. She worked with various leaders, constituents and legislators to develop a state public policy agenda that promotes Goodwill's business and mission, while advocating for legislation that enhances employment for people with disabilities.

Members of Congress receiving GII's National Policymaker Awards were:

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (MN) for her commitment to the nonprofit sector.
Sen. Tim Scott (SC) for his commitment to individuals with disabilities.
Rep. James E. Clyburn (SC-6^th) for his commitment to social justice.
Rep. Todd Rokita (IN-4^th) for his commitment to helping individuals achieve economic self-sufficiency.
Rep. David Schweikert (AZ-6^th) for his commitment to driving economic growth and jobs.

All of the award winners were nominated by local Goodwill organizations, and winners were chosen by the Public Policy Committee of the GII Board of Directors.

"Because of these leaders, Goodwill's voice is heard in policy discussions at the state and national level, ensuring that more people can benefit from the services and programs Goodwill provides," said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. "We thank Sharon and these valued members of Congress for advocating and expanding opportunities for people with disabilities as well as for their support for Goodwill's job training programs."

Since 1902, Goodwill has been helping people find jobs, build their financial stability, and strengthen their families and communities. This work has helped thousands of people build their careers and experience the pride and sense of community that work brings. Goodwill's services include job training and community services, such as help in writing résumés, and providing job interview advice, financial education and mentoring. Last year, Goodwill placed 312,000 people in employment in the United States and Canada. In addition, more than 35 million people used computers and mobile devices to access Goodwill education, training, mentoring and online learning services to strengthen their skills.

About Goodwill Industries International
Goodwill Industries International is a network of 164 community-based organizations in the United States and Canada with a presence in 13 other countries. Goodwill is one of America's top 20 most inspiring companies (Forbes, 2014). Goodwill organizations 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 3,100 stores and online at shopgoodwill.com^®. Local Goodwill organizations 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 services preparation, and document imaging and shredding. Last year, Goodwill placed 312,000 people in employment in the United States and Canada. In addition, more than 35 million people used computers and mobile devices to access Goodwill education, training, mentoring and online learning services to strengthen their skills. To learn more, visit goodwill.org.

For more information or to find a Goodwill location near you, use the online locator at Goodwill.org or call (800) GOODWILL. Follow us on Twitter: @GoodwillIntl and @GoodwillCapHill, and find us on Facebook: GoodwillIntl.

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SOURCE Goodwill Industries International