For decades, Goodwill San Antonio has been the go-to thrift store for value shoppers, bargain hunters, and treasure seekers looking to add to their collection. What some shoppers may not realize is that their purchase serves a purpose in supporting life-changing opportunities for local community members.

In 1945, Goodwill San Antonio was established on the South Side of the city with the mission to help change lives through the power of work. With a commitment to provide jobs, Goodwill’s retail stores were uniquely designed to help underserved communities find stable employment. Through the years, our non-profit social enterprise business model has evolved to include more support services and workforce development programs that help create sustainable career pathways for members of the community. We use a portion of the revenue we generate from our retail stores to help fund these efforts.

Last year in Bexar County, more than half of all residents earned less than a living wage. In fact, many adults did not earn enough income to meet the federal poverty level. These alarming statistics impacted family households tremendously. One out of every 10 young adults (ages 16-24) was neither working nor in school, and two out of every three children were not ready for kindergarten.

This is why supporting Goodwill is so vital. Our programs are strategically designed to serve members of our community who face difficult circumstances yet have the courage and commitment to improve their lives. From individuals with a documented disability to those who have been previously incarcerated, our collective efforts provide an opportunity at a better life with restored confidence and dignity.

Goodwill’s programs prepare participants to be financially independent by either finding a job through job readiness coaching and job placement assistance, finding a better job through skills training, or connecting them with a career path through industry-recognized vocational certification training.

Ultimately, our goal is to promote economic independence while empowering a skilled workforce. Our impact in the community reflects just that. In 2021, thousands of Goodwill San Antonio participants received job readiness services to achieve gainful employment while more than half earned an entry wage that was 200% above federal poverty levels.

Goodwill is so much more than just a store. When you donate or shop at a nearby Goodwill store, you help community members achieve an opportunity towards upward mobility through stable employment, skill development, job training, and other life-changing opportunities.

Carlos J. Contreras, III is President & CEO at Goodwill San Antonio.

Published on September 27, 2022 - Mysanantonio.com - Southside Reporter