SARASOTA/BRADENTON, FL – Three decades ago, Margie Genter became involved with Goodwill Manasota as an intern. Little did she know that she would still be at Goodwill 30 years later – continuing to grow in and love her work, and changing lives through the power of work.
From Genter’s beginnings as an intern, she rose through the ranks in positions including work adjustment training counselor, store manager, and director of housing before earning her current post of vice president of mission services. She has been instrumental in bolstering the local community by creating resources to empower persons with disabilities and other barriers to employment to become more self-sufficient through programs that enhance skills, move students towards degrees and certifications, and assist in obtaining and retaining jobs.
Genter develops, plans, and executes activities and programs that focus on employment, including Job Connection, which provides free job-placement services to individuals seeking community-based jobs; the Good Partner Coach Program, which provides mentoring and coaching services to all Goodwill team members; the Goodwill Works Program, which helps people who need extra help in developing job skills; the Workforce Education Program, which provides opportunities for people to earn a high school diploma; and the Veterans Services Program, which helps veterans to transition back into civilian life.
Additionally, she is the direct supervisor of the Commission on Accreditation and Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) International accreditation for the Goodwill Job Connection career services program; she has helped secure this certification for Goodwill Manasota since 1988.
“We appreciate the work Margie does every day to help community members become more employable and move toward financial stability,” said Bob Rosinsky, president and CEO of Goodwill Manasota. “Goodwill is fortunate to have someone of Margie’s caliber who has dedicated nearly her entire professional career to changing lives through the power of work.”
She is dedicated to the well-being of others outside the workplace as well: Genter donates her time and leadership to numerous area nonprofits. She serves on the board of directors for Turning Points, which provides, coordinates and facilitates services to the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless in Manatee County. She serves on the board for Beneva Oaks Apartments, which offers affordable, barrier-free living options for people with disabilities.
She has a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Certified Vocational Evaluator, and Certified Occupancy Specialist. She has served as president of the local and state chapters of the Florida Rehabilitation Association and president of the Florida Vocational Evaluation and Work Adjustment Association, which represents the interest and needs of human service professionals who work with people in support of their endeavors in training, employment and education to enhance successful attainment of career goals.
“When I came to Goodwill Manasota 30 years ago, I was looking forward to assisting the organization with delivering its mission of ‘changing lives through the power of work.’ Little did I know that the first life I would change would be my own,” she said. “It has been a privilege to get up every day and go to a job that provides me with real meaning and purpose, one that has had an enormous positive impact on so many in our community.”
For more about Goodwill, please go to experiencegoodwill.org or call (941) 355-2721.
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 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.