Goodwill Gulf Coast Annual Report FY 2024 by Goodwill Gulf Coast

FY 2024 ANNUAL REPORT

LEADING THE WAY

From our Board and CEO

Dear Gulf Coast Friends:

Where there’s a Goodwill, there’s a way!

This fiscal year, we adopted this slogan to convey how Goodwill Gulf Coast helps others find their way – to employment assistance, early childhood intervention, education/support services, and more.

With Goodwill Gulf Coast’s help, there’s a way…

…to achieve a better education and workforce preparation.

…to discover rewarding jobs and career opportunities.

…to realize personal potential and brighter futures.

…to help empower individuals and transform lives.

In FY 2024, Goodwill Gulf Coast provided the way to help more than 14,400 people in southwest Alabama and northwest Florida. In the process, the communities we serve became stronger and more resilient.

By supporting Goodwill Gulf Coast this past year, you played a role in helping them find their way too. If you donated household goods or clothing, if you shopped in our stores, if you donated financially or volunteered, you helped us provide those we serve with their way forward – and we’re very thankful for your help.

In FY 2024, Goodwill Gulf Coast helped more people find their way than ever before. This fiscal year represents our fourth straight year of “making and breaking” new records in terms of the quantity of donations, the number of customers, and, most important of all, the multitudes of people we served with programs and services.

It’s never been more true. Where there’s a Goodwill, there’s a way!

Forever grateful,

Richard Wilkins Chairman of the Board

Frank Harkins President/CEO

The Edgar Award

Named after Goodwill’s founder Rev. Edgar Helms, the Edgar Award each year honors an individual employee who best embodies the Goodwill spirit of ensuring that every person in our community “has an opportunity to develop to their fullest usefulness and enjoy a maximum of abundant living.”

This year’s Edgar Award recipient is Maxine Jackson, who has served Goodwill Gulf Coast for 48 years after graduating from Toulminville High School in Mobile. Over the years, she has served in numerous capacities at Goodwill Gulf Coast. “Maxine has been a beacon of positivity and dedication, bringing light and energy to every space she enters and every position she fills,” Frank Harkins, CEO of Goodwill Gulf Coast, said. “Her unwavering support, encouragement, and passion make her an ideal recipient of the Edgar Award.”

Throughout her career with Goodwill, Maxine has received several awards including the Program Services Unity Award, the Champion Award, and an Outstanding Services Award. Maxine currently serves as a Career Navigator.

“I was speechless when I learned about being this year’s Edgar Award recipient,” she said. “I never imagined that my peers felt that I was worthy of such a prestigious honor. I truly love my coworkers and, most of all, I love my job. Helping others is my passion.”

Governing Board

Ken Brown

Peter D’Olive

Lee Dzwonkowski III

Adele Hapworth

Abe Harper

Mitzi Henley

Michael Holland

Garner Jeffery

Advisory Board

Bates, Jr.

Raymond Bell, Jr.

Michael Chambers

David Cooper

Rob Couch

Kristi Daughtery

Burnley Davis

Rob Diehl

Boyd Douglas

E. Bradford Ladd, Jr.

Frank Lott III

Peyton Mattei

Taylor Morrissette

Jeremiah Newell

Devin Nobles

Jacob Palmer

Jay Ross Mac Taul

Tim Taylor

Clay Walden

Lindsey Weems

Richard Wilkins

Sam Winter

Paul Elliott

Jud Freeman

Bob Hudgens

Ben King

Allen Ladd

Bo Mattei

Bren McMaken

Wills Moore

Lynn Morrissette

Bob Omainsky

Ken Robinson

Lynn Robinson

John Ruzic

Jim Scheer

Lewis Shreve

Jason Spry

Charles Wimberly, Jr.

Ira

FINDING THE WAY Community Impact

In FY 2024, Goodwill Gulf Coast increased its impact in the communities we serve. With higher-than-ever levels of donations, customers, and revenue in our retail stores, Goodwill Gulf Coast was able to serve more people and provide more services than ever before. Due to the increased public support, Goodwill Gulf Coast experienced an outstanding fiscal year –the best in our 68-year history.

PROGRAM REACH

14,474 people received 23,479 services in FY 2024 – an increase of 1,255 more individuals and 2,350 more services than last year. This growth was reflected across 7 of the 10 counties we serve.

GOODWILL EMPLOYMENT

Goodwill Gulf Coast employed onaverage 506 people last year. Of those individuals, 41% have a disability and 6% are veterans.

CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES

1,956 children received support through Early Intervention, Child Development Center, Kaleidoscope Adult Day Program, Home Visitation, and our new Autism Evaluation Clinic – which served 476 children last year.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

4,307 people (an increase of 1,050 over last year) became better prepared for employment by taking training and earning certifications, which resulted in 486 people gaining employment.

ADULT EDUCATION

966 people took free classes in adult literacy, GED (Graduate Equivalency Degree) preparation, or English as a second language at Mobile-area Goodwill locations and correctional facilities.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Over 10 million pounds of clothing, household goods, and various items were diverted from local landfills by donors. Instead, these items were resold, reused, and recycled in our stores.

FREE TAX PREPARATION

990 local taxpayers who needed tax preparation services worked with volunteers to prepare their tax returns and took home an average refund of $1,587 (for a total of $1.08 million).

AREAS SERVED

SOUTHWEST ALABAMA: Baldwin, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe, and Washington counties

NORTHWEST FLORIDA: Escambia, Okaloosa, and Santa Rosa counties

GIVING BACK

• 6,199 people in need received 9,802 pieces of donated medical equipment free-of-charge

• 2,478 individuals in need were provided with free clothing and household goods valued at $54,968

• 132,821 free books were given to local children to support literacy (a 44% increase over last year)

• 961 volunteers donated 17,910 hours valued at $599,789 across all programs

• 1,525 winter coats and 450 blankets were distributed to homeless shelters in Alabama (Mobile) and Florida (Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach)

• 7,451 pounds of donated food was given to non-profit Feeding the Gulf Coast for local distribution

• 7,273 people representing 205 agencies utilized Goodwill’s Gordon Smith Campus auditorium and classrooms for training, workshops and networking, provided as a community service, free-of-charge

SHOWING THE WAY Services and Programs

EDUCATION SERVICES

ADULT EDUCATION

Classes in basic skill remediation and GED instruction are offered at four Goodwill locations as well as the Mobile County Metro Jail and the Strickland Youth Center. Outreach program sites, staffed by community volunteers, make adult education more accessible to those in rural areas. Goodwill Gulf Coast also offers Adult Literacy and English Language classes.

GED TESTING

The official GED Test is administered weekly in Goodwill’s PearsonVue Testing Center located in the Ladd Learning Center on the Gordon Smith campus in Mobile. We also administer the GED Test in the Mobile County Metro Jail and the Strickland Youth Center through mobile test labs.

CAREER PATHWAY PROGRAMS

Goodwill provides a variety of credentialed training programs through live instruction, virtual classrooms, hands-on practice, and blended learning. Options include instruction for Forklift Operator, Logistics Training, Healthcare, Hospitality/Tourism, and Information Technology (IT) certifications.

LITERACY/ENGLISH LANGUAGE CLASSES

Goodwill offers Adult Literacy and English Language classes in Alabama, enabling individuals to improve their English language skills and more effectively communicate and integrate in the community. Classes are offered for beginner, intermediate, and advanced learners.

EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE

JOB TRAINING AND PLACEMENT

For people with disabilities and others who face barriers to employment, each Community/Opportunity Center in Alabama and Florida offers employment services to individuals seeking assistance with job search, resume writing, electronic application submissions, interviewing skills, and more.

JOBS AT GOODWILL GULF COAST

Through employment options in our retail stores, e-commerce, and mission services areas, Goodwill Gulf Coast provides individuals with opportunities to perform meaningful work, develop professionally, and be part of a supportive community of workers dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others.

WORK TRAINING CENTER/ABILITYONE

The Work Training Center performs light packaging and assembly for corporate partners, providing work experience and training for individuals with disabilities. Through partnerships with federal agencies, we provide janitorial services in Mobile County, employing 40 individuals with disabilities.

CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES

EARLY INTERVENTION

Infants and toddlers with special needs receive services to enhance their early development including personalized instruction; physical, occupational, and speech therapies; behavioral consultations; and family support and training.

HOME VISITATION PROGRAMS

Educators with the HIPPY Program (Baldwin County and Escambia County, AL) and the PAT Program (Mobile County) visit families with young children to address early childhood education, health needs, and developmental issues. The staff also provides in-home instruction for parents/caregivers and connections to needed resources.

AUTISM EVALUATION CLINIC

This new program offers assessment and diagnostic services for young children (ages 2-6) suspected of having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The clinic plays a crucial role in early diagnosis and intervention for young children with ASD.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER (CDC)

Goodwill Gulf Coast provides for the community an inclusive child development center in partnership with Mobile County Public Schools. Children of all abilities receive high-quality instruction with favorable child-staff ratios.

KALEIDOSCOPE ADULT DAY PROGRAM

For adults with developmental disabilities who have recently transitioned out of high school and other non-senior adults who desire to remain active and engaged in structured daytime learning and recreational activities. This program was physically expanded in 2024 to serve even more participants.

SUPPORT SERVICES

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE AND EQUIPMENT

Assistance for individuals with disabilities (or temporary conditions) to obtain medical supplies or adaptive equipment free-of-charge, which leads to an improved quality of life and greater independence.

FINANCIAL WELLNESS AND FREE TAX PREPARATION (VITA)

Free income tax preparation for low to moderate income households; budgeting workshops; first-time home buyer counseling; and credit and banking classes are offered. Notary services also are available.

FREE BOOK PROGRAM

Children’s books are distributed free of charge to families visiting Goodwill stores as well as to schools, daycares, and other organizations serving children in an effort to encourage and support literacy.

SUPPORTING THE WAY

The Donation Cycle

When you support Goodwill Gulf Coast, you enable programs and services that provide a way for people and families in need to achieve a better quality of life. Goodwill Gulf Coast looks at each individual’s needs and provides them with the resources, skills, and support to help create a healthier community in which everyone can realize their full potential.

COMMUNITY IMPACT

YOU DONATE

465,200 donations of clothes and household goods – 6% more than last year

$50.60 average value of each donation –4.6% more than last year

WE TRAIN

14,474 people in need were provided with services – 9.5% more than last year

23,479 services were provided to those in need – 11% more than last year

WE SELL

1,058,528 customers shopped in our retail and outlet stores – 11.2% more than last year and surpassing 1 million customers for the first time

51.5% of our customers chose to “round up”, donating $126,881 for programs and services

PEOPLE WORK

374 individuals were employed in our retail stores – 7% more than last year

4,307 people became better prepared for employment – 32% more than last year

With Goodwill Gulf Coast’s help, 486 individuals secured a job – 25% more than last year

NAVIGATING THE WAY Success Story Highlights

Christopher McDonald

CAREER PATHWAYS PROGRAM

Chris McDonald spent years as a window washer, longing for a more challenging job. Then, he found Goodwill Gulf Coast and our free services to help workers get better credentials and move up the career ladder. He took a free forklift class, then an Associate’s course in Logistics. “I figured logistics would be a hot field, because companies will be focused on their supply chains,” Chris said.

After earning his credentials, Chris started looking for work in his new field. He earned a position as a Production Lead in the Work Training Center … at Goodwill. “I realized I could use my leadership skills, and I wanted to give something back to Goodwill. They had done all of this for me, for my career and for my future. I felt it was the least I could do.”

Today, Chris credits Goodwill for his better skills – and better job. He is using every skill he learned including logistics, supervision, getting along with people, problem solving – all while producing huge volumes of work for local companies. Chris reflected, “I get to find ways to do things better every day I am here.”

Henry and Samantha Faith

AUTISM EVALUATION CLINIC

Henry and Samantha Faith noticed that Henry’s son, Brendan, was not keeping pace with other children his age. After searching for answers, they were referred to Goodwill Gulf Coast’s Autism Evaluation Clinic. The team helped Brendan through developmental checklists, speech evaluations, and occupational therapy evaluations to establish evidence for the pediatrician to consider. Along with the evaluations, the team gave the Faith family tips, resources, and suggestions the family could start doing right away.

In less than two months, Brendan got his diagnosis. Henry said, “Having that diagnosis changed our entire situation! Brendan began getting everything he needed.” Brendan started therapy, and the family added structure and routine, learning new ways to communicate with Brendan that were more effective.

The difference this made for Brendan has been striking. His communication has improved, and he can do more things for himself, like getting his own snacks and calming himself down. The Faith family credits Goodwill Gulf Coast. Henry added, “The staff was so friendly and helpful, and they helped Brendan in all the most important ways – evaluations, good advice, and hope for Brendan’s future.”

Alisha Poole

CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT (CNA) PROGRAM

Alisha Poole dreamed of making a career in the healthcare industry. Working as a home health aide, making $13 an hour, Alisha could not afford tuition or books. That is when she found Goodwill Gulf Coast’s training program to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). The training was free, she could work at her own pace online, and still keep a full-time job.

Alisha completed her CNA course and took the official test. After she passed, her career took a positive turn. Almost immediately, she began making a higher salary, working in a wider range of care settings, and has used her CNA to get certified in 18 other states. Currently, Alisha is working in Oregon at four times her previous salary, and picks up extra shifts when she can.

“This program opened up more opportunities in the medical field for me,” Alisha said. “I am now able to work in hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities that are in need of CNAs. My goal is to become a registered nurse, and now I believe that dream can come true. I am grateful to Goodwill Gulf Coast, because without them, none of this would be possible.”

POINTING THE WAY Looking to the Future

GGC begins construction of new facility in Foley

Location will be first to house Retail Store, Donation Center, Opportunity Center, Outlet Store

On October 1, Goodwill Gulf Coast held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction for a new 50,000 sq. ft. facility in Foley, creating a new retail store, outlet store, donation center, and opportunity center to serve Baldwin County.

“Having a facility of this size and scope in Foley will help us provide more of our programs and services to benefit individuals and families living in this part of Baldwin County,” Frank Harkins, CEO of Goodwill Gulf Coast, said. “This will be the only facility in our 10-county service area that combines all four types of our stores and centers in one convenient location.”

Construction of the new facility is projected to take about one year, with an anticipated grand opening in F all 2025. For this project, Goodwill Gulf Coast is working with partners Randall Paulson Architects, development partner Piedmont Companies, and general contractor Rogers & Willard.