At Goodwill Central Texas, we are dedicated to giving community members the tools they need to succeed. That’s why we are so excited about our new TECH program and digital equity van (BETTY).
TECH
Tools for Equity, Connectivity, and Hope.
Funded for the first three years by the Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM) grant, this program aims to provide free devices and internet access to individuals who need them.
BETTY
Bringing Education and Technology To You.
Funded through a major gift from Indeed, this digital equity van will serve as a computer lab on wheels, offering mobile internet access, career exploration opportunities, and device distribution.
TECH + BETTY
BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE
Summer Connect to Tech
On June 20, Workforce Advancement held a launch event, Summer Connect to TECH, at the Goodwill Community Center (GCC). The first-floor training rooms were packed with participants engaging in digital skill-building sessions led by our career advancement trainers and digital navigator. Participants used our virtual reality (VR) headsets to complete career exploration activities focused on skilled trade careers. They also learned about our Goodwill Career and Technical Academy (GCTA) and enjoyed a visit from an Amy’s Ice Creams truck. Over 30 participants left with laptops, and those who needed internet access also took home hotspots!
"Expanding our digital inclusion services has been a goal of ours for quite some time. We are incredibly grateful for this support from MHM and Indeed, which allows us to reach more Central Texans and provide them with educational and career-building tools, especially those in our more rural communities," said Chief Mission Officer, Jennifer Carter.
CONGRATULATIONS, Fatherhood Works Graduates
On May 28, the Fatherhood Works program celebrated its spring graduating cohort. For six-and-a-half weeks, clients focused on strengthening family bonds, enhancing communication, and fostering a nurturing parenting style in the evidence-based Nurturing Father’s course.
Hosted by program facilitator G. Shaakir Saunders, program supervisor Daniella Owens, and the Fatherhood Works career case managers, the ceremony was equal parts touching and inspiring.
One particularly touching moment occurred when a client’s teen daughter ran into her mother’s arms after a heartfelt speech (the Fatherhood Works program is open to caregivers and father figures of all genders).
Speech, Speech, Speech!
When receiving their certificate, each graduate spoke about what they’ve learned, and what the experience meant to them.
Darryle Williams said, “The nurturer I choose to be is a forever learning, forever growing, forever open nurturer. In the Nurturing class, I have learned that we’re not finished products. Along the way to our goals and missions, there’s a lot of positive change that can be made.”
He went on to say, “I already feel like I am seeing changes in my day-to-day life as far as being a father, a brother, a husband. I just feel like a better person since the first day of class to present.”
A Round of Applause
Here's to the Spring 2024 Fatherhood Works graduates. Congratulations!
Donor Spotlight DON GARBE
AND CONNIE
ALDRICH
When Don Garbe and Connie Aldrich toured the Goodwill Community Center in 2017, they were amazed to learn about all the community-enriching programs Goodwill Central Texas offers.
Donating Is a No-Brainer
So, when Don had to begin withdrawing from his IRA, donating to Goodwill Central Texas was a no-brainer. According to Don, “My donations to Goodwill are done for somewhat selfish reasons. I’m required to pull a minimum amount of money out of my IRA each year. And using part of it for a charitable donation reduces the taxes I pay on it.”
We sure don’t think it’s selfish. Donations like Don’s and Connie’s fuel our mission of transforming lives through the power of education and work.
Come See for Yourself
When asked what he would say to anyone else who’s considering donating to Goodwill, Don said, “Go tour their facilities and see everything they have to offer. Goodwill is much more than a store.”
Maybe that’s why, after touring the Goodwill Career and Technical Academy in 2024, Don and Connie even doubled their annual gift!
So, from all of us at Goodwill Central Texas to Don, Connie, and every one of our generous donors: thank you! We couldn’t do any of this without you.
Make a difference today by giving through your IRA. Email the Development Team at contribute@gwctx.org or visit our giving page at goodwillcentraltexas.org/giving
“Goodwill is much more than a store.”
— Don Garbe
Gather for Goodwill
Thank you to Pam Giblin and Corky Logue for hosting our first two Gather for Goodwill events this spring! We are grateful for these opportunities to meet new friends who share our vision of a Central Texas where everyone has opportunity to thrive.
Thrifted and new, haunting a store near you. Build your own one-of-a-kind Halloween costumes with thrifted finds and brand-new accessories you can’t scare up anywhere else. That’s Goodwill.
