SARASOTA, FL – To help support staff positions in the mission-critical areas of career and veterans’ services, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County has granted $23,000 to Goodwill Manasota. The grant will fund one Job Connection employee and cover the cost of 1.5 Veterans Services Program team members for two months.
Goodwill is working to position itself for increased community needs as the significant impacts of the coronavirus pandemic continue to be felt. The organization is in a rebuilding phase: revenues plummeted in mid-March as community members stayed home and then its retail stores closed throughout April, resulting in the furlough of more than 80% of the organization’s workforce. However, since reopening its stores – according to the Governor’s rules and following strict CDC public health guidance – on May 4, Goodwill’s revenues have climbed back to 2019 levels. The organization has already restored the majority of its workforce and has begun hiring.
The Job Connection program is designed to help individuals find employment or transition to better-paying jobs. Community members can benefit from career counseling, interest and aptitude assessments, assistance with resume and cover letter writing skills, interview strengthening exercises, and application submission guidance. These free services are available to anyone who wants an opportunity to overcome obstacles to employment and achieve self-sufficiency.
Goodwill’s Veterans Services Program works to help eliminate barriers to employment, provide opportunities for higher-paying positions for veterans and their families, and connect veterans with needed social services. It also offers plentiful networking opportunities and emergency financial assistance – which will be particularly important as already at-risk veterans face COVID-19-related challenges.
“As our community faces challenges including reduced work hours or job losses and the closing of businesses as well as the emotional impacts of the coronavirus, Goodwill is committed to serving the community in the best way we know how,” said Goodwill Manasota president and CEO Bob Rosinsky. “The funding from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County will ensure we have the capacity to be at full strength to serve job-seekers and veterans during this particularly challenging time. We are grateful to the Community Foundation for helping us to be here for those who need us.”
Visit experiencegoodwill.org for more about Goodwill’s programs and services.
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 philanthropic donations and revenue generated by the sales of donated goods, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities, veterans, seniors, and those with other barriers to employment by providing jobs, job skills training, and free career services. For more information or for a listing of locations, visit www.experiencegoodwill.org or call 941-355-2721.