As the Labor Day holiday approaches next Monday, September 5, we are reminded the true reason for the annual day off from work. According to the United States Department of Labor, Labor Day “is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.”
At Goodwill, we know work. Through our mission of changing lives through the power of work, it is our vision that all people in our region have the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential through family sustaining employment.
Goodwill celebrates the worker this Labor Day as we remind those in need of employment to visit any of our three job resource centers in Charlotte, Gastonia and Rock Hill. As the region’s largest private provider of training services for individuals facing barriers to employment, we’re here to help those who seek our services find meaningful employment, as unemployment rates hover at 4.7% in North Carolina and 5.2% in South Carolina.
Lorenzo faced challenges in finding employment after he was released from federal prison in 2014. His career options were limited, but upon learning that Goodwill was a resource for those with criminal backgrounds, he enrolled in the construction skills training course at Goodwill, where he earned his forklift and OSHA-10 certifications, as well as resume and interview skills.
With the help of GoodWork Staffing, Lorenzo is now employed full-time, and is proud of his newfound employment and the fulfillment that it brings. You can read Lorenzo’s full success story on our blog here.
This Labor Day, consider supporting the mission of Goodwill by making a donation at any of our 24 retail stores or more than 45 donation sites in the region, or by simply spreading the word about our programs and services. At the new Goodwill Opportunity Campus, we now also offer healthcare, banking, financial literacy and intensive services for individuals with criminal backgrounds through our on-site community partners.
With the help of Charlotte Community Health Clinic, Charlotte Metro Credit Union, Common Wealth Charlotte and The Center for Community Transitions, we offer wraparound services looking at the whole person in order to help our clients achieve stability and eventually gain a level of self-sufficiency to secure family sustaining employment.
Thank you for your support of Goodwill. Happy Labor Day!
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