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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.

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!

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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!

BUY THROUGH INSTAGRAM & PICK UP LOCALLY

At Goodwill, we’re always looking for new ways to further our mission, helping more people in our community better their lives. We’re excited to announce the launch of Home by Goodwill, our new Instagram account (@goodwillsp_home) where you can discover and claim unique, thrifted home goods and furniture directly through Instagram. Items will be available for pick-up at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus. The account will go live on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Where do the items for sale come from?
A: Items for sale at Home by Goodwill were originally donated to Goodwill stores. When items don’t sell in-store, we give them another chance to find a new home through Home by Goodwill. By shopping with us, you’re helping extend the life of these pieces and keeping them out of landfills, supporting both sustainability and Goodwill’s mission.

Q: What condition can I expect items to be in?
A: Items are gently used and donated by members of the community. While many pieces are in great condition, some may have minor defects that are not pictured. The condition of each unique item will vary, but we aim to offer quality items that still have plenty of life left.

Q: How do I pay and schedule pickup?
A: We currently accept payment through PayPal only. Once you’ve claimed an item by being the first to comment on our Instagram post, our team will reach out to you with a PayPal payment link and details for scheduling your pickup. It’s a simple process, and we’ll work with you to find a convenient time to collect your item(s) at 5301 Wilkinson Blvd. in west Charlotte!

Q: What does the revenue from Home by Goodwill support?
A: Like all of our stores, sales from Home by Goodwill fund job training programs, job search support, family stability services and more – all offered free of charge to people right here in our community looking to further their lives. Thank you for supporting our mission!

Q: Can I return items I purchase from Home by Goodwill?
A: We want you to be happy with your purchase! If an item isn’t what you expected when you arrive for pickup, we can process a return before the item leaves our building. However, once the item has been picked up, all sales are final. We encourage you to review the photos and descriptions closely to ensure the item meets your expectations.

Q: Will your team help me load large items?
A: We recommend bringing your own help for loading large items, as well as a vehicle that can accommodate them. While our team will assist when possible, we strongly encourage you to come prepared with the necessary “muscle” to ensure a smooth and safe loading process.

SHOP ONLINE AND DO GOOD

Like with all of our stores, every purchase made through Home by Goodwill helps generate revenue that directly supports our free job training programs, job search support services, family stability programs and other community initiatives designed to help people see possibilities, seize opportunities and prosper.

Goodwill Industries International’s 2024 Halloween Survey reveals that four in five Americans (80%) plan to celebrate Halloween this year. This spooky season, more than half of celebrants (57%) are considering do-it-yourself costumes and secondhand décor as a means to save money. 

In its tenth year, this annual survey found that most consumers feel rising costs due to inflation are affecting their buying habits when it comes to Halloween costumes, décor and/or candy this season. Three-quarters of those surveyed (74%) said that higher prices are impacting their Halloween purchases — a slight decrease from 2023 (77%). As a result, nearly three in five respondents (57%) say that they are more likely to create DIY costumes rather than purchase from a store. This same proportion of adults (57%) is more likely to buy materials for DIY costumes or décor from thrift stores such as Goodwill to reduce costs. 

Aside from wearing costumes, the most popular ways people plan to celebrate include giving out candy to trick-or-treaters (49%), decorating their homes (36%) and/or attending parties with family/friends (29%). 

Consistent with prior years, Goodwill tops the list of favorite places to shop (83%) among those who prefer DIY costumes and look for materials at thrift stores. 

The Goodwill Halloween Survey also found that Halloween costumes based on pop culture trends or characters from TV, movies, video games or books are the most popular among respondents. 29% prefer those kinds of costumes this year, followed by classic Halloween costumes, like witches, ghosts, zombies or werewolves (23%), as well as one-of-a-kind costumes (23%). Furry friends will join the fun, with 11% of survey respondents saying they plan to dress up their pet!   

Two-thirds of adults who prefer DIY costumes (67%) say they or members of their household turn to social media and websites for ideas and inspiration. YouTube is the top-cited social media platform for inspiration this year (31%), followed by Pinterest (30%), Facebook (23%), TikTok (21%) and Instagram (20%). Thrift stores remain a source of costume ideas and inspiration for one in three adults who prefer DIY costumes (36%), consistent with 2023 (also 36%). 

Eco-consciousness is also a trend. Three in four adults (77%) say Goodwill’s sustainability efforts have some effect on their decision to shop at Goodwill stores, on a par with 2023 (76%). 

For more information and a fact sheet with additional Goodwill Halloween Survey results as well as costume ideas, DIY décor and makeup tutorials, visit Goodwill.org/Halloween. 

ABOUT THE GOODWILL HALLOWEEN SURVEY  

Big Village, an independent research organization, conducted the 2024 Goodwill Halloween Survey for Goodwill Industries International. The online poll took place from August 19-23, 2024, and included a sample size of 2,018 self-selected adults. Responses were weighted by age, gender, geographic region, race and education. Since 2014, Goodwill and Engine have worked together on Halloween-themed survey research.