The Mission of Goodwill Industries of the Coastal Empire, Inc. is to assist people with disabilities and other barriers to employment to live independently and become employed.
For 45 years Goodwill Industries of the Coastal Empire has served our community. The successes that inspire us as individuals and as an organization continue to grow. The ongoing dire economic climate has made it necessary for everyone to make careful choices on how to spend, save and give. Although the level of need in our community continues to rise during these difficult economic times of high unemployment the spirit of success triumphs. We deeply appreciate those who have chosen to continue to give their support. As our organization continues to grow, we remain focused on our mission to assist people with disabilities and other barriers to employment to live independently and become employed. The company started in 1965 with eight employees and a $60,000 budget in a time when there were few community organizations helping people with disabilities. Today, we have more than 550 employees and a budget of nearly $18 million. We expanded our services in recent years to Brunswick and Lyons, Georgia, with the opening of the two Job Connection Community Career Center. These centers connect businesses and job seekers in Glynn and Toombes/Montgomery County, as well as the surrounding counties. The centers offers a wide array of services and classes.
In 2010, Operation Open Doors (OOD) started for homeless unemployed or underemployed veterans of the United States military. By offering vocational evaluation, employment and training services, placement assistance and post employment follow-up, OOD helps to transition veterans back into society. OOD was recently awarded funding from the U.S. Department of Labor Veterans Employment & Training Services and Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program to continue helping veterans in the Coastal Empire for the next year. OOD has helped more than 132 veterans, successfully placed 46 veterans in jobs, and 94 veterans have been referred to housing programs.
Our GoodGuides Youth Mentoring Program began in 2010 and is dedicated to pairing youth in at-risk situations with healthy, positive adult mentors. Our program has successfully matched 105 youth in mentoring relationships. In addition, this program has incorporated a youth career leadership program and civic engagement activities as a part of its mission to improve the lives of the youth in the Coastal Empire.
From offering meaningful services for individuals with disabilities and their families to fostering a sense of community among these groups, Goodwill Industries of the Coastal Empire makes a difference in the community it serves. It creates an inclusive community where people with disabilities can participate, give back, and become active members of our community. Goodwill Industries of the Coastal Empire continues to provide high-quality, community-based employment services for individuals with disabilities and their families. We thank you for your continued support of Goodwill.
About Goodwill Industries of the Coastal Empire
Goodwill Industries of the Coastal Empire, Inc. is dedicated to the mission of assisting people with disabilities and other barriers to employment to live independently and become employed. The not-for-profit organization employs 644 people and provided services to 18,916 people in our community in 2011. Goodwill Industries of the Coastal Empire serves 33 counties in Georgia and South Carolina and operates 12 retail locations in the region. Goodwill accepts tax deductable car donations and operates an online store at www.shopgoodwill.com. For more information on Goodwill Industries of the Coastal Empire, please visit www.goodwillsavannah.org.
