Goodwill Industries of Kentucky

Do you or someone you know have background challenges? We have spots open for our August 16 expungement clinic in Cynthiana, KY! The clinic will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST at the Harrison County Extension Office. To register, visit https://lnkd.in/d4_Ffvz4 or call 1-877-309-0262. This is an excellent opportunity to expunge your criminal record for free and enhance your employability!

Meet a Goodwiller! Zach Lawhorn has been with Goodwill for more than 14 years and currently serves as a training and development specialist. "When I started working for Goodwill in 2010, I had no idea what Goodwill was even about. Since then, I have worked in several different positions that have given me a unique view of how the organization operates and how we support Kentuckians," Zach said. "I love my current role because the Training & Development team gets to serve both internal employees and external clients who come into our Opportunity Centers. We provide professional development training, work-ready programs and a variety of different resources to support employees and clients." Two fun facts about Zach: He's obsessed with Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Charmed, and he "may or may not" move things with his mind every morning. ;) Zach is a big fan of sleep; his friends, family and coworkers know he is always ready for a nap and will be out like a light within 10 minutes of a car ride.

Tonight, we are hosting a community workshop about expungements at 5011 Poplar Level Road in Louisville. This free workshop will include details about eligibility requirements for expungement and how to self-file. If you are or someone you know could benefit from a second chance, we hope you will join us at 6 p.m.

So often, we are asked, "Why do you sell items you get for free?" We use revenue from our retail stores to help fund free programs for Kentucky's most vulnerable populations. Halfway through our fiscal year, here is what we have accomplished by selling donated items: • Awarded 1,621 Soft Skills Certificates and 230 Work-Ready Certificates • Achieved 1,213 job placements • Helped 116 Goodwillers earn higher-paying wages with partnering employers • Graduated 54 Kentuckians from financial literacy classes • Helped grant 1,525 expungements of criminal records (for free!) • Placed 138 individuals with bicycles • Matched 253 senior citizens with paid-training and career plans • Enrolled 304 job seekers into our RISE program • Transitioned 38 clients to independent housing • Helped 60 low- or no-credit Kentuckians purchase a vehicle by backing their loans and matching their down payments • Transitioned 408 individuals off government assistance into paid employment • Assisted 672 Kentuckians with disabilities with their benefits and employment • Connected 176 unhoused individuals with resources, paid daily stipend for a day's work • Gave away clothing vouchers to 337 individuals • Hosted training and development classes for 656 Goodwillers and clients • Provided $1,250 in vouchers to UofL Health Emergency Room • Assisted 233 families through our South Louisville food pantry • Graduated 50 adult learners from The Excel Center - Kentucky And much more. We could not operate these free, life-changing programs without the economic engine that is our retail stores. Thank you for your support.

Jennifer – a mother of three – was deep into addiction, living at a hotel, when she was charged with a misdemeanor. “The judge gave me a chance to do treatment, and I was really grateful, even though I didn’t want to go,” Jennifer said. “I went to a sober living home, and I sat and listened.” While at the sober living home, Jennifer was introduced to a Goodwill reentry program, designed to help individuals with background challenges reenter society. After a period of working in the fast-food industry, Jennifer was eventually hired to work part time at Goodwill’s Pikeville store before being promoted to a full-time cashier. During this time, she worked with Robby, her Goodwill career coach, to set goals related to budgeting, education and health. Jennifer now has her own place to live and plans to purchase a vehicle through the Goodwill Cars to Work program, which is designed to help people with low or no credit earn approval for a loan. She is also working toward earning her GED and plans to start sponsoring others. “I love the people here and the support I get,” Jennifer said. “I am real big into recovery. That comes first to me. I am grateful for all the programs Goodwill offers.”

Emery Scott Lee, director of our West Louisville Opportunity Center, was recently featured on WAVE Listens Live to discuss how the Center serves as a one-stop-shop for Kentucky job seekers who have barriers to employment. Since opening to the public in March, the Center has already served more than 500 clients. Maurice Douglas, client, shares his experience.

AJ wanted to pursue his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), but he wasn’t sure where to start. After a stint in prison, that journey became even harder. But after accepting a truck driver position at Goodwill, he realized his goal was in reach. He took part in our Work & Learn program, which allows employees to pursue educational opportunities while earning a paycheck. Now, after just over a year at Goodwill, AJ has earned his CDL and accepted his "dream" job. “Without Goodwill, none of this would be possible,” he said. “There was no way I could have paid for CDL school on my own. This has been my dream for the longest. … I just needed someone to believe in me. And that’s where Jordan and Goodwill came in.” Read AJ’s story here: https://shorturl.at/9Q1E8

Last week, 13 team leaders and assistant managers graduated from our Goodwill Retail Employee Advancement Training (GREAT) program. At Goodwill, we believe strongly in investing in our own employees and developing them both personally and professionally. Since its inception in 2018, the GREAT program has graduated 156 Goodwillers, of which 108 have been promoted!

Last week, we hosted a special graduation for our Power of Work program! The Power of Work team, under the leadership of Director of Community-Based Services Kimberly Boyd-Lane, GCDF, GCDFI, CEBP, has demonstrated excellence in operations since its inception in 2007. The program has enrolled more than 15,000 participants and has achieved 5,187 job placements. This outstanding accomplishment has given the Cabinet of Health and Family Services, the Department of Community Based Services and the Division of Family Support the confidence to award the Kentucky Work Program TANF and SNAP contract to Goodwill without an intermediary beginning today, July 1.

Today, we hosted a Public Relations Society of America - Bluegrass Chapter program at our West Louisville Opportunity Center! Panelists included CEO of Dare to Care Food Bank Vincent James Sr., Chief Administration Officer for Norton West Louisville Hospital Corenza Townsend and Director of Public Relations & Communications for Goodwill Barnard Baker. Attendees heard insights from our panelists about the exciting growth occurring in West Louisville and toured the new Campus!