Goodwill Industries' mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and families by serving the community and eliminating any barriers to success, and to ensure opportunities are there so everyone can reach their full potential.
History of Central North Carolina Goodwill Industries (GNICNC)
Originally founded in 1902 by Revrand Edgar J. Helms; Goodwill industries made its way to North Carolina, specifically the Triad community in 1963. Goodwill industries aims to develop people's career skills and eliminate barriers to employment, such as lack of experience or disability. By 1976, Goodwill industries in the Triad community had grown so much that it required more financial support. Through a 1976 grant, Goodwill was able to move its corporate offices and expand its size. Once again in 1993, through a donor campaign Goodwill was able to expand even more. By the year 2010, Goodwill was able to open a Community Resource centers in Reidsville and Asheboro, and in 2011 the first Career center was finished in North Elm. As of today, Goodwill Industries of the Piedmont area has 22 retail stores alongside four Community Resource Centers and three Career Centers. All of these facilities serve Alamance, Caswell, Guildford, Randolph and Rockingham counties; enabling residents to donate items, shop in local thrift stores, and gain job training and experience through the centers. Furthermore, plans for a Community Resource center in Burlington is in works, to ensure all five counties are serviced fully.
Career Development
Goodwill is able to provide resource centers within the Piedmont Triad area that work to train and allow people easier access for job re-entry and the ability to get to their place of work. Each resource center has a Networking Room and a computer lab. The networking room allows users to look through job offers, write resumes and learn how to function in a work environment. The computer lab offers skills classes in all Microsoft programs and teaches users and young adults how to search for jobs and to type in an effective manner. Along with these classes and educational programs, Goodwill offers a Wheels to Work program that allows people without access to transportation to gain access to affordable transportation. If eligible, Goodwill can offer the applicant a car.
Employment and Volunteer Opportunities
Goodwill Industries aims to help the community in many ways. Working or volunteering at a Goodwill location is a perfect way to earn extra money while helping those less fortunate. Paid jobs may include working in the thrift store, handling donations, managing a location or simply locking up the store when no one is present. Volunteer opportunities for community members may include sorting donations and stocking shelves and greeting customers at the thrift store. Goodwill is always looking for corporate volunteers who may wish to be motivational speakers, help with certain job skills such as resume writing in the career center or simply being a financial advisor to young adults in the job force.
Shopping Goodwill Industries
Goodwill offers 21 retail stores serving Alamance, Caswell, Guilford, Randolph and Rockingham counties. Almost 90 cents of every dollar of sale goes towards job training in the Piedmont Triad Area. Online browsing and shopping can be done via www.shopgoodwill.com
Donating to Goodwill
Donations received are sold in the Goodwill retail stores and this money in turn goes right back into building new facilities and enhancing job training. Along with clothing and housewares, Goodwill has partnered with Dell and can accept donations of any brand computer equipment at any Triad Location. The goal is to refurbish and resell the computer equipment. Besides traditional item donations, Goodwill is always grateful for monetary donations. These donations can be given in a number of ways, whether it be by mail, in person or online. For additional tips or recommendations for donations and a walkthrough of the process visit; http://www.triadgoodwill.org/donation_tips.html
Additional Services
Besides receiving donations and educating men and women via job training, Goodwill Industries offers a type of outsourcing. If a company is overwhelmed or strapped for time, Goodwill is able to offer such services as assembly, manufacturing, packaging and light industrial services. Goodwill is able to provide a large facility with fair pricing and a skilled workforce. Goodwill is equipped with loading bays and convenient locations in the Triad area.
Locations:
Goodwill offers over 20 different locations, some cities having more than one thrift store or center. To find a location near you, visit http://triadgoodwill.org/goodwill_stores.html
Store Hours:
Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday 1 p.m - 6 p.m.
References:
http://triadgoodwill.org/
http://www.triadgoodwillatyourdoor.org/info.php
http://www.goodwill.org/
