SARASOTA, FL – During the month of September, Goodwill Manasota is celebrating “Heroes Month” in recognition of first responders, firefighters, police officers, and the veterans in our community. As part of the month-long observance, Goodwill’s Veterans Services Program will host a Patriots Day Breakfast on Monday, September 11, 9-11 a.m. at the program office (8490 Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota).
The breakfast is being offered to honor the fallen – those who lost their lives during the horrific events of 9/11 as well as our servicemen and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in serving and protecting our country. During the event, guests will learn more about how Goodwill’s veterans program is helping to change the lives of area veterans and their families.
“The attack on our country during 9/11 is an event that will forever live in infamy – we lost many brave souls that day,” said C.J. Bannister, director of the Veterans Services Program at Goodwill Manasota. “Those who have paid the ultimate price in service to the United States deserve our everlasting respect and gratitude. As an organization committed to helping veterans each and every day, we at Goodwill are thankful for all who support and partner with us in an effort to improve the lives and futures of veterans in our community.”
Through its Veterans Services Program, Goodwill Manasota has worked to improve the education and wellness opportunities for veterans and military families, through case coordination and mentoring, since 2013. The program, which is staffed by veterans, offers access to employment preparation courses, educational and technical skills classes, and work resources, all aimed at helping veterans find meaningful employment so that they may advance beyond their military careers and continue to support their families and their communities with pride, dignity and purpose.
Other events being offered as part of Heroes Month include “Heroes Night” at Culver’s on University (2605 University Parkway, Sarasota) on September 5, from 4-8 p.m., and a celebration of the launch of a red, white and blue Heroes Flight at JDubs Brewing Company (1215 Mango Ave., Sarasota) on September 8 from 6-8 p.m. Proceeds from those and other Heroes Month events will benefit Goodwill’s Veterans Services Program.
This event is free to area veterans and no RSVP is required. For more information about Goodwill or the Patriots Day Breakfast, go to experiencegoodwill.org or call (941) 355-2721, ext. 451.
About Goodwill Manasota
Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With the sales of donated goods and philanthropic donations, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities and other barriers to employment by providing job skills training and employment opportunities. In 2016, Goodwill Manasota served 28,207 people, placed 755 people in jobs and assisted 240 veterans as they reintegrated back into the civilian workforce. Goodwill Manasota’s economic impact back to the community is worth $92.1 million. Goodwill is one of the pioneers of the reduce-reuse-recycle movement and this past year diverted more than 40 million pounds out of the landfill. We accomplish our mission through a network of Good Neighbor Centers in Sarasota, Manatee, Hardee and DeSoto counties and our Mission Development Services (MDS) around North America. Goodwill Manasota is accountable to a local Board of Directors. Goodwill Manasota, in essence, belongs to this community and is not owned by any individual or company. For more information, visit www.experiencegoodwill.org.