Goodwill’s Growing Social Enterprise Includes Services for Businesses
August 13, 2018For more than 100 years, the Goodwill brand has been synonymous with retail thrift stores that support workforce development programs for people with disabilities and disadvantages.
Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia (GCCVA) has leveraged its workforce expertise to develop new social enterprises that serve businesses, governments and institutions of higher learning.
“Our expertise is in preparing people for the workforce, so we wanted to go beyond thrift and provide direct services to other organizations,” said Cathy Stark, director of business development for GCCVA. “We can provide valuable services while creating more employment opportunities for job seekers.”
Goodwill’s services help organizations operate efficiently in many areas, including:
- Fulfilling staffing needs by recruiting and screening candidates
- Providing employee orientation/onboarding support
- Contracting for janitorial services
- Contracting for mailroom, warehousing and logistics operations
- Hosting donated goods collection events
- Supplying trucking and logistics
- Recycling electronics
Goodwill’s business development team partners with businesses to address immediate and ongoing needs.
“For example, we served as the hiring arm for an international company that was expanding in the U.S.,” said Stark. “We essentially served as an extension to their human resources office to help them hire 150 people at various levels in a relatively short timeframe. As their workforce needs change, they keep us on speed dial to ensure they have the workers and coverage they need.”
“When you partner with Goodwill, you are supporting the local community,” added Stark. “You’re helping more people find jobs, gain life skills and build confidence – which ultimately leads to empowered individuals, stable families and prosperous communities,” said Stark.
For more information on how to partner with Goodwill and find business solutions, call 804-745-6300 in Central Virginia or 757-951-4200 in Hampton Roads or click here.
