SARASOTA/BRADENTON, FL – From May 7-13, Goodwill Manasota will observe and celebrate the annual “Goodwill Week,” as Goodwills across the United States and in Canada offer job fairs, host community programs, and hold special events – among other activities – to honor its supporters. Goodwill Week is used as a time to thank donors, shoppers and supporters who have made positive contributions that help carry out the organization’s mission of changing lives through the power of work.
This year, Goodwill Manasota will host the Goodwill Industries International Spring Conference, which is traditionally held during Goodwill Week. The event takes place from May 6-9 at the Hyatt Regency in Sarasota, with approximately 400 team members from Goodwills around the world expected to attend.
During the conference, Goodwill Manasota will launch the first phase of the local Goodwill Digital Career Accelerator effort, funded by a grant from Google. The goal of the program is to expand and enhance digital skills throughout the community; the first phase involves training the staff; the second phase involves training operations team members; the third phase involves free programs to enhance digital literacy for community members. Two sessions for staff members and a reception with Google will take place on May 7.
Goodwill Manasota will hold its Ambassador Recognition Luncheon on Friday, May 11th. This event recognizes those who make a commitment to share the mission of Goodwill with the greater community by volunteering at events, speaking on the organization’s behalf, creating new fundraisers, and introducing their friends, family and colleagues to Goodwill.
Goodwill uses the proceeds from the sale of donated goods to fund training and employment programs to help individuals get back to work. In 2017, Goodwill Manasota served more than 11,672 people, placed 555 people in jobs and assisted 360 veterans as they reintegrated back into the civilian workforce. Goodwill Manasota’s economic impact on the community is more than $92 million. Goodwill is one of the pioneers of the reduce-reuse-recycle movement and this past year diverted 41 million pounds from area landfills.
“When community members donate their unwanted items or buy clothing and furniture, they are directly creating jobs and changing lives through the power of work,” said Goodwill Manasota president and CEO Bob Rosinsky. “We are only able to provide services for individuals with disabilities, veterans, and community members with barriers to employment because of the generosity of our community. During Goodwill Week, we are proud to celebrate our successes while honoring the many generous members of our community for making our work possible.”
For more information on Goodwill Week, visit experiencegoodwill.org or call (941) 355-2721.
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 2017, Goodwill Manasota served 11,672 people, placed 555 people in jobs, assisted 360 veterans as they reintegrated back into the civilian workforce, and provided 19,540 hours of on-the-clock training for its employees. 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 41 million pounds out of the landfill. 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.