Goodwill Industries celebrated 50 years in serving the Richland County area on Saturday, January 25. To thank the community for its support, for shopping and donating, a celebratory party was held at Goodwill’s retail store at 2154 West Fourth Street in Ontario.
The Goodwill Industries of Akron, Ohio, Inc. (GIA), is a not-for-profit corporation that helps individuals prepare for, find, and retain employment. Operating in the five-county region of Summit, Portage, Medina, Ashland and Richland, the agency was established in 1927, but has served in Richland County since 1964.
“The rewarding part of shopping and donating at our stores is the investment in the community it provides to help individuals prepare for, find and retain employment. In fact, during the last year we increased our job training services more than 200 percent in Richland County,” said Nancy Ellis McClenaghan, president & CEO of Goodwill Industries.
Eighty-seven cents of every dollar made at the retail outlets go toward funding Goodwill’s services.
Goodwill’s location in Akron that serves the five county (Summit, Portage, Medina, Ashland and Richland) region helped in serving 9,004 individuals in 2013. They also placed 489 individuals in positions at area businesses, and provided 247 program participants with training and work experience withing Goodwill’s Retail and Contract Services operations.
“We take pride in our mission to help individuals prepare for, find and retain employment,” added McClenaghan.
Greg Morton, Vice President of missions was present at the event. His career started with Goodwill seven years ago. He helps with finding individuals secure jobs, prepares them for successful interviews, and looks over applications.
“I love the opportunity to be here for the community,” said Morton.
Also celebrating a fulfilling career, was 66 year-old Phil Goettl from Mansfield, who has been with the company for 45 years. Since his career started, he has moved to different locations near Mansfield with Goodwill’s retail stores.
“I am a jack of all trades. I just take care of the products,” said Goettl. He also added that he is ready for another 45 years.
The agency will formally present 2013 service numbers at its Annual Meeting and Celebration of Champions event on Thursday, March 27. For more information about GIA, visit their website or call 800-989-8428.
Goodwill is a private, independent organization, operating as an affiliate member of Goodwill Industries International, and a United Way agency in Summit County. Goodwill helps to directly strengthen the region’s workforce through its employment programs and indirectly through the net proceeds from its retail outlets and industrial services division.
