Goodwill Industries of Arkansas
Goodwill Industries of Arkansas operates 37 stores statewide and provides a range of community services, including job training, career services, and recycling programs. The organization has helped over 450 people find work and served over 6,000 individuals, while diverting more than 38 million pounds from landfills in FY23.
Services
Goodwill Industries of Arkansas operates 37 stores statewide and provides a wide range of services across its locations. It offers career services including job placement assistance in 34 locations, reentry programs for justice-involved individuals, and operates Goodwill Training and Education Centers (GTEC) in Little Rock and Springdale. The Excel Center® provides tuition-free education for adults seeking to earn a high school diploma, with flexible class schedules, on-site childcare, and life coaches. Additionally, the organization offers a free home pick-up service for large-scale items, and a Transitional Employment Opportunity (TEO) program that includes 16 weeks of paid job training.
Programs
Goodwill Industries of Arkansas offers several notable programs aimed at community support and education. The Books 4 Kids program provides high-quality books to children in low-income families. Their TEO program includes a 16-week paid job training session for individuals needing employment assistance. The organization also offers a comprehensive welding program funded partially by the $25,000 Dewalt Grow the Trades Grant received. Furthermore, their 'Take Me Thriftin’' program partners with the viral internet duo Toasters ‘N’ Moose. Custom training and placement services are available for businesses in Arkansas at no cost.
Sustainability Initiatives
Focusing on environmental sustainability, Goodwill Industries of Arkansas has an established sustainability model that includes recovery, reuse, recycle, and reinvest steps. In FY23, the organization diverted more than 38 million pounds from landfills. Specific recycling achievements include over 9.6 million pounds of textiles and over 1.7 million pounds of books. Partnering with the Regional Recycling & Waste Reduction District, the organization also provides electronic waste recycling services.
Community Impact
Goodwill Industries of Arkansas has significantly impacted the community by serving over 6,000 people and helping over 450 individuals find work statewide. The organization utilizes 90 cents of every dollar spent at its stores to fund free services and community programs. Its initiatives extend to reentry programs across more than 20 locations for justice-involved individuals and career readiness certification and job search assistance services provided free of charge. Significant grants, including $750,000 from the United States Department of Justice, further bolster their community support.
Educational Centers and Grants
Goodwill Industries of Arkansas operates two main educational centers: the Goodwill Training and Education Centers (GTEC) in Little Rock and Springdale, and The Excel Center®, which is a tuition-free school for adults. These institutions offer a variety of educational programs including general job training and specialized courses funded by substantial grants. Notably, the organization received a $750,000 grant from the United States Department of Justice and a $25,000 Dewalt Grow the Trades Grant, which supports their welding program at The Academy in Little Rock.