Our Mission: Committed to serving people with disabilities and disadvantages by offering life-changing opportunities to achieve independence. | |
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM 2024)
Through the month of October, which is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), we celebrate the value and talent workers with disabilities add to America’s workplaces and economy. Goodwill offers life-changing opportunities for people with disabilities and disadvantages to achieve independence. From our disability services to employment opportunities, we provide resources to help those who want work.
| | Click video to hear from our team | | |
Southwest Florida Hurricane Relief
A Disaster Relief Food Distribution will be held at the McGregor Goodwill retail store on Saturday, October 19th, from 9:30 am - 11:30 am hosted by Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida, Inc. The McGregor Goodwill is located at 15271 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers.
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Charlotte County Assistance
The Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic and Goodwill Community Resource Center are excited to announce a partnership to bring essential resources directly to you. From medical services to FEMA application assistance, we’re here to help!
Goodwill's mobile unit will be on site at the Harold Avenue Park Comfort Station at 23400 Harold Ave., Port Charlotte on Friday, Oct 18th, from 9 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. to assist those affected by the hurricane.
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Senior Helpers Collaboration
Senior Helpers provides professional in-home care that enables seniors to live independently and comfortably. Through a partnership with Goodwill SWFL, they are able to use our PTO Life Skills Room for healthcare training. This allows their students to get hands-on training as caregivers to meet the unique needs of aging adults, including conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
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Big Brothers Big Sisters Collaboration
We welcomed Big Brothers Big Sisters' Melissa Nelson, Regional Director (South), and Christa Hollenbeck, Mentor Manager, to our Charlotte County CRC for a collaborative effort supporting several Port Charlotte High School students. The students worked on financial literacy, and got a tour of the Goodwill Central Processing Center (North) to learn about different job opportunities.
| | | The students with Big Brothers Big Sisters will meet at our Charlotte County CRC for career exploration and employability skills once a month during the school year through April 2025. | | | |
Regions Bank Collaboration
Cyndi Valenti and Judy Gomez from Regions Bank presented a fun game on financial and budgeting awareness called, "The Reality Check," to students from Port Charlotte High School. This was a great collaborative effort benefiting local students, as part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.
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Each month we are pleased to share with you transformative mission moments!
As you learn more about the different ways we uplift our community, we hope you are inspired and will join us in helping people enhance their quality of life by eliminating barriers to work, opportunity, and independence.
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For more information on how you can help transform lives,
please contact me, Ashley Price, Director of Development at ashleyprice@goodwillswfl.org
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2024 Career, Trades and Community Fair at the SWFL Enterprise Center
We had a very successful Career, Trades, and Community Fair at SWFL Enterprise Center on September 18th. It was a wonderful collaborative effort helping people find jobs, or a better opportunity. 18 Business Partners participated and 208 individuals attended.
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Allegiant Airline Hiring Event
Goodwill SWFL was pleased to partner and host our 3rd Hiring Event for Allegiant Air on September 24th at our Port Charlotte Community Resource Center!
Forty applicants interviewed for 25 Ground Operations Agent positions at the Punta Gorda Airport.
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Pathways to Opportunity Receives Funding from Lee County
On October 1st the Lee County Commissions voted to commit nearly $5.6 million in Partnering for Results funds to 38 local nonprofit agencies in support of 51 human services programs.
Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida is one of the local nonprofits to receive funding from Lee County to support our Pathways to Opportunity program.
Read Story in Gulfshore Business
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The League Club Financial Gift
Thank you to the Community Trust Fund of The League Club, Inc. for their financial support of the Goodwill Mobile Community Resource Center. With our Mobile Unit, Goodwill resource coordinators are able to provide needed services to under-served communities where transportation is a barrier. It’s equipped with six computer workstations that have internet access, and a wheelchair lift for accessibility.
| | | Need assistance with finding affordable healthcare coverage? Need to learn basic computer skills? Giancarlos and Yunier are here to help! The mobile unit is on location nearly every day throughout SWFL. Se habla español. | |
One of the Top 30 Nonprofit Executives of 2024
Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida's CEO & President, John Nadeau, has been selected this year as one of the TOP 30 Nonprofit Executives of 2024 by The Community Foundation.
"The Community Foundation Empowers Nonprofits as Economic Drivers, Equal to Southwest Florida’s Construction Industry."
A recognition ceremony will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2024, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. at the Double Tree Hilton Hotel in Fort Myers, Tickets are available at https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjEzMTYy
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In Memoriam: Rick Evanchyk
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Rick Evanchyk, former CEO of Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida. Under Rick's leadership, the agency made major strides in organizational growth, people served, community collaboration, and development and expansion of the Pathways programs. Under his direction, they also expanded the HUD housing for people with disabilities from six apartment sites to 16 sites that housed over 200 residents. Rick loved his job and all of his employees. He always loved helping others. He was a visionary leader, a dedicated advocate for our community, and his legacy of compassion and commitment will be felt for generations.
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The SWFL MicroEnterprise Institute is a small business program offered by Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida that provides aspiring small business owners with the skills they need to succeed as entrepreneurs and become more independent.
Since its inception, the program has graduated 1140 individuals, and assisted in starting/strengthening 660 businesses, giving employment opportunity for additional 55 individuals. To date over 70% are still in operation.
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MircoEnterprise Spanish Class Graduation
September 15 - October 15 was National Hispanic Heritage Month. Coincidentally, we celebrated the graduation of our Spanish MicroEnterprise class in Cape Coral on September 19th. These graduates have joined the many other aspiring entrepreneurs who have completed the six-week small business class, and are one step closer to launching their own small business.
| | | Classes are offered to residents of Charlotte (including North Port), Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee counties. For more information about upcoming classes, contact Sandra Plazas at sandraplazas@goodwillswfl.org, or call (239) 995-2106 Ext. 2304. | | Thanks for Supporting SWFL MicroEnterprise Institute | |
5/3 Financial Gift
Thank you to Fifth Third Bank for the Financial Gift of $12,500 to support the MicroEnterprise program.
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Bank of America Financial Gift
Thank you to Bank of America for the Financial Gift of $10,000 to support the MicroEnterprise Institute
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Bank OZK Financial Gift
Thank you to Bank OZK for the Financial Gift of $5,000 to support the MicroEnterprise Institute.
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MicroEnterprise Sponsorship
Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida Board Member, Cathy Speer, provided funding to sponsor a recent graduate of the MicroEnterprise Spanish class. To learn more about sponsoring a MicroEnterprise student, contact Sandra Plazas at (239) 995-2106 Ext. 2304, or email sandraplazas@goodwillswfl.org.
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Tommy Bohanon Foundation Financial Gift
Our Pathways to Opportunity program has been chosen to receive a $5,000 sports equipment grant from the Tommy Bohanon Foundation this year for the PTO Pathways Birdies golf program.
Tommy and Katie Bohanon visited our PTO facility to present the check to John Nadeau, Goodwill SWFL CEO & President and Jessica Tursi, our Director of Disability Services.
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LCSO Disabilities Engagement Training
A big thank you to the Lee County Sheriff's Office for the opportunity to have our Director, Jessica Tursi, train 20 new recruits on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities!
We're grateful for the partnership and for helping ensure that law enforcement is equipped with the knowledge and tools to better serve and engage with individuals with disabilities in our community.
Together, we're building a more inclusive and understanding community!
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Free Ongoing Classes
Citizenship Classes
Join us every Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Goodwill Community Resource Center in Cape Coral for free citizenship classes. We assist with your citizenship application and test preparation. Students must reserve a spot with Keith Edison in advance (text: 508-662-2121). Bring a copy of your application, a notebook, and a pen.
Supportive friends are welcome to come along.
Nutrition Classes
Free Nutrition classes are offered at Goodwill Community Resource Centers in Fort Myers and Bonita Springs. Participants can eat the foods prepared in the class. For more information contact Hilda (Fort Myers) at 239-995-2106 Ext 2228, or Daisy (Bonita Springs) at 239-318-4644.
ACCESS Training
ACCESS Class is offered every Friday at 9:00 AM at the Bonita Springs CRC. Goodwill CRC coordinators are teaching the community how to create a new account in the MyACCESS Portal and do a renewal (or a new application). This is a free service offered by Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida. Contact Daisy or Linda at (239) 318-4644, or stop by the Bonita CRC at 11601 Bonita Beach Road, SE.
Digital Skills Classes
If you want to improve your computer skills, Goodwill provides FREE courses, online and in person, covering basic topics such as typing, using a mouse, email, internet navigation, and more. We also offer advanced software classes, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Office 365. Call (239) 995-2106 Ext. 2226 or Ext. 2228 to locate the nearest Goodwill Community Resource Center and get started today!
| | | The 2nd Annual LEHIGH ACRES CAREER FAIR has a date. Friday, November 8th, from 10 am - 12:30 pm. The event will be held at the East County Regional Library at 881 Gunnery Rd, Lehigh Acres. It is free and open to the public. If you need resume assistance, contact the Goodwill Community Resource Center nearest you. Visit https://goodwillswfl.org/crc for locations. | | Meet Our Coordinator/Assistant | | | | |
Welcome, Yunier, our new Mobile Community Resource Coordinator. Yunier's professional work experience includes being a university professor in Psychology and Business Administration, a training course sales representative, an administrator for online training companies, and an active collaborator of non-profit organizations aimed at helping people in vulnerable situations. With degrees in Psychology and Business Administration, Yunier is passionate about helping people improve their quality of life.
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Meet Sheila Hernandez
This FGCU Psychology grad, always wanted to work with people and be part of the solution, so when she was offered this job at the Goodwill Lehigh CRC, she knew she was going to accomplish that objective. Working as an instructional assistant at FGCU, she discovered how meaningful actions are. Lehigh CRC has given her the opportunity both to serve others and to understand the value of public resources that make people's lives easier. She finds it rewarding to assist the community and works to create a more inclusive and stronger one.
| | | | Invest in yourself! Goodwill offers employability skills, digital skills, and other free workshops at all Community Resource Centers throughout SWFL. It just takes a commitment from you to take advantage of these free classes that are aimed at helping you take the next step forward! Click HERE to get started. | | | |
Calling all Opportunity Makers! | | Join us in creating a brighter future for someone. Become an Opportunity Maker! To sponsor one of our Community Resource Centers and/or employability workshops, please get in touch with Ashley Price at (239) 995-2106 Ext. 2213 or email AshleyPrice@goodwillswfl.org. | | | |
Community Appreciation Day Sale
40% off donated
Saturday, October 19th
Three Goodwill stores are having a 40% off donated sale on Saturday, October 19th.
The sale is ONLY at these stores:
- Bonita Springs
- North Cape Coral
- Towne Centre (Naples)
Sale is only on donated goods, and only at the listed locations. Stores are open from 9 am to 8 pm.
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Community Appreciation Day Sale
40% off donated
Saturday, October 26th
Three Goodwill stores are having a 40% off donated sale on Saturday, October 26th.
The sale is ONLY at these stores:
- Plantation (Fort Myers)
- Egret's Crossing (Naples)
- Island Park (Fort Myers)
Sale is only on donated goods, and only at the listed locations. Stores are open from 9 am to 8 pm.
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If you love our work then tell the world! Stories about us from people like you will help us make an even bigger impact in our community.
GreatNonprofits – the #1 source of nonprofit stories and feedback – is honoring highly regarded nonprofits with their 2024 Top-Rated List. Won’t you help us raise visibility for our work by posting a brief story of your experience with us? All content will be visible to potential donors and volunteers. It’s easy and only takes 3 minutes! Go here to get started!
https://greatnonprofits.org/reviews/write/goodwill-industries-of-southwest-florida
| | | Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc. l (239) 995-2106 l email l website
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Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc. has received a Platinum rating by Candid (formerly GuideStar). https://www.guidestar.org/profile/59-6196141. Our charitable contributions/solicitation registration # is CH1930. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OF FL. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. PLEASE VISIT www.800helpfla.com FOR OFFICIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. | | | | | | |
