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ADJUSTED HOURS ON FRIDAY, 1/10, AND SATURDAY, 1/11

As winter weather impacts our region, the safety of our team members, shoppers, donors, participants and partners remains our top priority. Our leadership team is connecting regularly and making decisions as we learn more on the impact of inclement weather on our area. We continue to closely monitor the official forecasts and potential impacts of this storm across our region.

We are making the following operational changes at this time: 

[As of Friday, 1/10 4:00PM]

Stay safe out there! We’ll update this post in real-time as changes to our operations are announced. Please check back regularly for the latest information.

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General

2025-01-10 20:36:24

jan-2025

“I just know I’m in a position of power to change people’s lives. I think Goodwill is in a position do the same thing, and they’re doing that through this program.” 

Ryan Jor El, Vice President, Store Manager at TD Bank is paying it forward in his new career in the financial industry, but it wasn’t long ago he was working in another industry himself. 

“I spent 20 years in the fashion industry, so banking is not my background, but because of my years of fashion, retail, hospitality and customer service, I was able to transition into banking,” Jor El explained. 

Earlier this year, Jor El became involved with Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont when he helped the nonprofit with BankWork$, one of its tuition-free training programs. Jor El speaks with classes, informs of banking trends and offers his services to assist with mock interviews, in addition to hiring participants that graduate from the class. 

“I think the work that Goodwill is doing to get people equipped for the banking industry through the Bankwork$ program, especially in the second largest banking capital in the nation, is not only helping the community, but it’s helping them individually,” Jor El said. “You’re giving them the skills and the characteristics they need to work for a bank in a banking capital.” 

BankWork$ is an eight-week immersive career training program delivered by Goodwill that gives people the skills, access, and coaching needed to succeed and grow in banking careers—from understanding the financial services workplace to bank regulations, bank products, cash handling, and processing customer transactions. Graduates are prepared for roles such as: Associate Banker, Branch Banker, Client Services Representative, Lead Teller, Member Service Consultant, Personal Banker, Relationship Banker, Teller, and Call Center Representative. 

Since its launch in Fall 2023, the nonprofit has helped 42 participants from four cohorts achieve employment, 30 of those jobs in the banking industry. Leaders in the financial sector like Jor El are helping the nonprofit work toward its bold vision of providing meaningful employment to 15,000 individuals by 2029, and together the organizations are creating a new talent pipeline to address the critical issue of economic mobility in the Charlotte region. 

To date, TD Bank has hired two participants from the program and hopes to continue the trend. Jor El has gone beyond just hiring talent, he regularly signs up to speak with classes, attends employer roundtables and helps with mock interviews to make sure participants stand out when applying for jobs. 

“I’m able to come to the BankWork$ program because part of my role is people development and business development,” Jor El explained. “It’s not just about the money. We really do empower our people. If there’s a cause that you want to get behind, something that’s special to you, you can use company time to do that.” 

For Jor El, who is from south Charlotte, and grew up in the Roseland neighborhood, TD Bank’s commitment to community is one that aligns with his own personal values. He knows that programs like BankWork$ not only help with economic mobility but can make a difference in the community.   

Transition can be difficult, especially in a professional setting, but Jor El brings a personal and relatable experience to the classroom when speaking with participants. “I know certainly for your program; this is a pivot. Maybe they [participants] were doing something for so many different years and they want to try banking, or maybe they got laid off and they want to try banking,” Jor El explained when speaking of some of the participant stories he’s learned. 

His involvement with the program has helped him to find and hire great talent like Dominique Dantzler, who works as a Retail Banker II for TD Bank. While attending a City of Charlotte hiring event at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus in March, she met Employer Engagement Specialist Julie Salinas who told her about BankWork$. Dominique enrolled and graduated from the program.  

“Having a training and development program to give you a kickstart is important. Obviously, every company is going to do training, but that person that’s been through a banking program in an interview for a banking job is going to have a leg up on the person who has no banking experience at all,” Jor El said. 

Tuition-free training programs like the one Dominique took are available to the community, thanks to shopping and donating at Goodwill’s 36 retail locations and more than 40 donation sites, in addition to corporate, community and philanthropic donations. 

Jor El hopes to see more financial institutions get involved with the BankWork$ program and hire the amazing talent it’s producing. “I would highly encourage the power of presence to show up to one of these sessions, one of these classroom trainings, one of these graduations,” he said. He finished with, “You can’t get experience if nobody ever gives you a shot.” 

The Charlotte region is home to more than 100,000 financial services jobs1, and it is the second-largest banking center in the nation. With no other workforce development programs dedicated to the finance industry in the greater Charlotte region, Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, in partnership with The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) and CareerWork$, expanded its training division to offer the BankWork$® program.

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General

2024-12-23 16:11:11

td-bank-partner

CARF International announced that Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont has been accredited for a period of three years for its Employee Development Services; Employment and Career Centers; and Employment Skills Training Services programs.

The CARF three-year accreditation represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization and shows our nonprofit’s substantial conformance to the CARF standards. An organization receiving a three-year accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer review process and has demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit that its programs, services, organizational leadership and governance practices are of the highest quality, measurable and accountable.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from CARF International, which highlights the hard work and dedication of our team in delivering high-quality programs and services to the community,” said Chris Jackson, president & CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont. “This accreditation affirms our commitment to partnering with individuals to build pathways that help people pursue the life they want to achieve, strengthening the workforce, and maintaining the highest standards of quality, innovation and measurable impact.”

About CARF

CARF is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process and continuous improvement services that center on enhancing the lives of the persons served. Founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, and now known as CARF International, the accrediting body establishes consumer-focused standards to help organizations measure and improve the quality of their programs and services. For more information about the accreditation process, please visit the CARF website.

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Announcements|General

2024-12-04 14:11:01

carf-accreditation

THRIFTING & GIFTING

‘Tis the season for thrifting and gifting! Stop by your local Goodwill to browse its collection of holiday décor, festive accessories, gift wrapping essentials, and more! And remember, you don’t have to break the bank to SLEIGH the holidays this year.

HOLIDAY DECOR

FESTIVE FINDS

FEEL JOLLY

Every time you shop at Goodwill, you help someone in our community on their pathway to prosperity. That’s because the revenue we generate from selling items in our stores funds career training courses, job search support, family stability services and more – all of which we offer free of charge to thousands of people in our community each year, including our very own team members. Now that’s something to feel good about!

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Announcements|General|Money Saving|Shopping

2024-12-02 19:03:25

holiday-finds-2024

As we approach the season of giving and the close of 2024, the global movement of Giving Tuesday provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the power of generosity to transform lives. At Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, we’ve seen firsthand how acts of giving can open doors, build pathways and change futures.

At Goodwill, we believe that a job is more than just a paycheck—it’s a steppingstone to independence and a brighter tomorrow. But for many in our community, barriers like limited access to education, the challenge of re-entering the workforce in a competitive job market, and personal hardships make employment feel out of reach.

That’s where Goodwill steps in, offering tuition-free training programs, job search support services and unwavering support to help individuals find success and further their lives.

MEET RITU

Take Ritu’s story, for example. A talented IT professional, Ritu took a career break to raise her children. When she was ready to return to work, she felt overwhelmed, uncertain, and left behind in a field that evolves rapidly. Ritu found her way to one of Goodwill’s Advanced IT training programs, where she gained the skills and confidence to re-enter the workforce. Today, she’s thriving as an Operations Analyst at LPL Financial.

Ritu’s gratitude for the role Goodwill played in her life inspired her to give back with a generous donation. Her gift ensures others in our community can access the same life-changing opportunities she did.

This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to join Ritu in giving the gift of possibility. Your generosity fuels programs that provide:

EVERY GIFT CHANGES LIVES

Your support on Giving Tuesday will help individuals like Ritu overcome challenges, regain confidence and create new beginnings. Together, we can connect people to good jobs and empower them to build brighter futures for themselves and their families. You can read more Goodwill success stories here.

WAYS TO GIVE

Giving Tuesday is a reminder that small acts of kindness can create lasting ripples of impact. Your support ensures that Goodwill can continue to provide these resources needed for community members to thrive in 2025 and beyond.

This Giving Tuesday, your gift can be the bridge to a brighter future for someone in our community.

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Donate|General|Goodwill's Mission

2024-11-25 20:35:49

giving-tuesday-2024

Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont has relocated its Gastonia Career and Employment Center. The new location, in downtown Gastonia at 359 W Main Ave., is a one-stop opportunity for job seekers to access stability services, resume writing and job search support; engage in tuition-free job training programs; and access local employment opportunities through the organization’s nonprofit staffing company, GoodWork Staffing. Moving downtown from its previous location on Armstrong Street will provide Gaston County residents easier access to Goodwill’s impactful services. 

“Through everything we do at Goodwill, we aim to help people see possibilities, seize opportunities and prosper,” said Chris Jackson, President & CEO, Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont. “In 2023, we helped more than 950 people advance their lives in Gaston County through our career center services and GoodWork Staffing. That’s why we’re happy to invest in this community by providing a larger and more accessible space, with more resources and services for people to advance their careers and improve their lives.”  

The nonprofit will formally announce the relocation of its Gastonia Career and Employment Center during a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 9 a.m. Attendees of the grand opening event will have the option to tour the new facility, take advantage of resume building and job search services, learn about upcoming workshops, watch a live demonstration of virtual reality software used in construction career training, and enter a raffle to win a laptop.  

Many people know Goodwill for its stores, but it’s the nonprofit’s mission to help people build pathways to pursue the life they want to achieve. Services offered at Career and Employment Centers (in Gastonia and Charlotte) are provided free of charge, thanks to donations and shopping at its 36 retail stores and more than 40 donation sites in the region. 

The new and larger space allows the nonprofit to expand its course offerings and services to the Gaston County community. The Gastonia Career and Employment Center also allows more space and convenient access for Goodwill to bring together nonprofits, government agencies, hiring businesses and the community to support workforce development and continue to work together to increase access to opportunity in Gaston County. 

“Expanding our training courses in Gaston County will not only allow us to serve more people but provide new career opportunities to the people in the Gaston community,” said Liz Romero, Director of Regional Services, Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont. “This larger space provides a place for partners to be on site, host hiring events, enroll more people in classes and meet the needs of our participants in this community by providing more resources to them through our Goodwill offerings and partnering with established and trusted organizations within the county.” 

The new Career and Employment Center will create a more open and flexible environment, where innovation and learning can thrive, and participants can experience a modern and welcoming workspace, reminiscent of today’s work environment. Features include: 

Starting 2025, the Gastonia Career and Employment Center will begin offering:  

Additionally, every Tuesday from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., DSS will be on-site at the Gastonia Career and Employment Center to help with applications for assistance with food, childcare, Medicaid, utilities, and unemployment.

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Announcements|Employment|General|Goodwill's Mission|Job Training

2024-11-04 14:57:02

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At the Goodwill Construction & Skills Training Center, thousands of participants have taken tuition-free courses in Construction Basics, HVAC, Electrical, Commercial Carpentry, Blueprint Reading & Estimating and more. In 2023, 537 participants graduated from the program. 

The training center, lovingly nicknamed the “Trade School,” has built up an alumni network that envies those of schools or universities. After finishing training programs, former participants stay connected with each other, their Career Navigators and the team at the training center. 

Several alumni have had a special opportunity to pour back into participants by becoming teaching assistants (TAs) for the Construction Basics course. This idea formed from the growth the construction center has experienced over the last year. 

“Our numbers were growing last year, and we needed to find a better pipeline of talent,” explains Marvin Kelley, Director of Construction & Trade Training. “We came up with the idea to reach back into our talent pool and train up graduates who completed the program, were working, and were doing well.” 

Employing previous graduates has provided a unique perspective that allows Goodwill participants to gain knowledge from someone who has already taken the course and see what avenues they can take after finishing their coursework. 

“It makes a difference with the students, because you can see a professional that went through the same classes you’re going through and see the progress in real form,” shares Destiney, a residential maintenance technician. “Me being there is like a daily reminder [that] you can be successful after this.” 

“I love watching the growth from day one to the final day,” adds Charlie, a foreman in training who assists with Construction Basics and Carpentry courses. 

In addition to the knowledge of the training courses, some TAs are able to pay it forward by being an advocate for Goodwill participants at their own companies. 

“I tell them, ‘My company that Goodwill hooked me up with is hiring soon. I’ve worked with you for the last eight weeks; I know you work really hard and you’re eager to learn. Send me your resumes, and I’ll forward them up the chain,’” Charlie explains. 

The TAs are helping develop future professionals in construction, while also developing themselves at the same time. 

“This is a big step for me,” states Andre, a maintenance technician who received a promotion to supervisor after completing his courses at Goodwill. “[At work], I was seeing it in real life and then bringing it back and sharing new ways on how to problem solve. I guess I stood out from that.” 

“It helped me become a better professional,” Destiney emphasizes. “I gave it a try, and I enjoy it more than I thought I would.” 

At Goodwill, our mission is to help people build pathways that help people pursue the life they want to achieve. The Goodwill Construction Skills Training Center is helping build pathways both in class and beyond. 

“It’s really a full circle moment,” says Marvin. “[Just a few years ago], Destiney came through the program and was excited to go to her first job. In class, she was shy, and now, to see the energy around her ability to communicate with the students, it’s super fulfilling.” 

If you’d like to contribute to funding Goodwill’s tuition-free programs and services, consider dropping off your gently used donations at one of our locations or making a financial contribution. 

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General|Goodwill's Mission|Job Training|Occupational Skills Training

2024-10-29 19:36:45

building-construction-careers

Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont is excited to announce that the Goodwill Opportunity Campus, located at 5301 Wilkinson Boulevard, is serving as an early voting site this election season. This marks the first time that Goodwill will play this role in expanding voting access for the West Charlotte community, helping strengthen civic engagement in the area.

EXPANDING ACCESS TO VOTING

In partnership with the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections, the Goodwill Opportunity Campus will provide a convenient location for residents to cast their votes. Early voting begins on Thursday, October 17 and runs through Saturday, November 2, offering a wide window for voters to make their voices heard.

EARLY VOTING HOURS:

The early voting site at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus will be open during the following hours from October 17 – November 2:

The goal is to provide flexibility for voters who may have varying schedules, ensuring as many community members as possible can take advantage of early voting.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Opening the Goodwill Opportunity Campus as an early voting site is part of Goodwill’s broader mission to serve the community beyond our well-known job training and employment services. By making voting more accessible to West Charlotte residents, Goodwill is helping foster a more engaged and informed community. It’s one more way Goodwill supports the area’s growth and well-being.

For more information on how to participate in early voting, visit the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections website.

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Advocacy|Announcements|General

2024-10-17 14:58:23

goodwill-early-voting

The Messer Construction Co. Foundation has awarded Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont $25,000 to support the construction of a new model home at Goodwill’s Construction Skills Training Center. Once construction is complete, the model home will become a regular tool to provide hands-on training throughout the Construction & Trade Skills Training program. As a sustainable structure, the model home will be vital in meeting the needs of program curriculum as the construction industry evolves over time.

“It’s really gratifying to support an organization that is committed to creating pathways to careers in the construction industry,” said Chris Malinowski, vice president, Charlotte region leader at Messer Construction Co. “High-quality, hands-on training provides a sense of what it’s like to work in the skilled trades: It’s rewarding, collaborative, and offers ample opportunities for advancement. We can’t wait to see the model home be constructed and for Goodwill’s Construction Skills Training Center to continue making an impact in the Charlotte community.”

As October is Careers in Construction Month, this investment is especially timely. With the construction industry facing a significant shortage of skilled workers, hands-on training programs like Goodwill’s are more critical than ever. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, 91% of construction firms in North Carolina are struggling to find skilled labor. This model home, once completed, will play a pivotal role in preparing the next generation of skilled craft professionals who can help close that gap in the greater Charlotte region.

“Careers in Construction Month serves as a reminder of the vital role the construction industry plays in our economy and communities,” said Marvin Kelley, Director of Construction & Trade Skills Training at Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont. “This generous support from the Messer Construction Co. Foundation will provide our participants with hands-on training that closely simulates the real-world work they’ll do onsite upon program completion. We’re excited to strengthen our program and continue preparing the next generation of skilled workers for success.”

Goodwill’s Construction Skills Training program, along with the addition of this new model home, will help train local residents for rewarding careers in construction—a sector that offers stability, growth opportunities, and a chance to build a lasting legacy. Through this partnership with Messer Construction Co., Goodwill will continue to support economic mobility and provide essential skills training to individuals in the Charlotte area.

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Announcements|Donate|General|Goodwill's Mission|Job Training

2024-10-15 16:23:46

messer-foundation-grant

Join Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont as we participate in the inaugural DAF Day on October 10, 2024.

A Donor Advised Fund (DAF) is a charitable savings account that gives you the flexibility to recommend grants to qualified non-profits like Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont. DAFs currently hold about $230 billion philanthropic dollars in the United States and provide a simple way for the donor to get needed resources to their favorite causes in an easy and efficient way.

About 37% of DAF accounts go unused each year. We can change that this year, by encouraging supporters of Goodwill’s mission to make a DAF gift on National DAF Day. Your dollars help our community members pursue the life they want to achieve through our life-changing services.

Whether participants are taking the tuition-free BankWork$ or Advanced IT training, or learning a new employable skill at our award-winning Construction Skills Training Center, you can be certain that an investment in Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont is an investment in our community’s future.

Making a DAF donation is easy to do. Just send our EIN – 56-0844639 to your account holder today, and reach out to our Director of Philanthropy, Jennifer De La Jara, at Jennifer.delajara@goodwillsp.org if you have any questions.

Imagine the good we could do if we DAF, together!

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Announcements|Donate|General

2024-09-20 01:19:52

daf-day-2024