Welcome to the Fall 2025 Goodwill Grapevine Newsletter, where we celebrate a season of service, growth, and community. From expanding literacy through BookWorks in Greenville to honoring servant leaders at The Salute Dinner, this issue highlights the many ways Goodwill Industries of Mississippi continues to make an impact. Every story is a reminder of the power of people coming together with purpose to serve, to uplift, and to transform lives.
BOOKWORKS LAUNCHES IN GREENVILLE: A DAY OF MUSIC & READING
Goodwill Industries of Mississippi proudly launched its BookWorks literacy program on October 16, 2025 at the Fulwiler & Garrett Hall Head Start/Early Head Start Center in Greenville, bringing stories and smiles to more than 70 preschoolers.
Steve Azar, Mississippi’s Music and Culture Ambassador, performed his song and book “One Mississippi,” joined by Miss Volunteer Mississippi Mattie Grace Morris, who helped bring the joy of reading to life. Mayor Errick Simmons and Vice Mayor Lurann Thomas Kingdom were also in attendance, showing strong community support for this milestone in the Delta.
Special thanks to Tammy Louvier and Cindy Miers, our BookWorks Manager and Coordinator, for leading this event with heart and purpose Together, we’re helping children discover the joy of books one story at a time
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Shannon Hillman - Board Chair
Jake Bradley - Vice Chair
Sherry Stegall - Treasurer
Curnis Upkins - Secretary
Brad Steffani - President & CEO
MargoBurnside-GIVSPresident
Ricki Garrett
Mary Helen Bowen
Renae Harrell
Craig Jackson
Greg Ross
Tom Troxler
STAFF
Brad Steffani - President & CEO bsteffani@goodwillms org
Jon Fox - Fractional CFO jfox@goodwillms.org
Adam Hazel - Vice President of Operations ahazel@goodwillms.org
Bubba Weir - Vice President of Workforce Development cweir@goodwillms.org
Roy Johns - Vice President of Marketing & Human Resources rjohns@goodwillms.org
Larry Bouchea - Director of Human Resources lbouchea@goodwillms org
Robin Stricklin - Director of Mission Services rstricklin@goodwillms.org
Steve McCartney - Director of Learning & Development smccartney@goodwillms org
A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO...
This fall, I’ve been reminded of what makes Goodwill Industries of Mississippi truly special its people From the children inspired through BookWorks in Greenville, to the servant leaders honored at The Salute Dinner, to the families who gathered for Family Day, every moment reflected the spirit of service that defines Goodwill.
s, strengthening communities, a new year, I’m deeply grateful ador, and supporter who arry out our mission each day
THE 40TH ANNUAL SALUTE DINNER: HONORING SERVANT LEADERS ACROSS CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI
Goodwill Industries of Mississippi celebrated its 40th Annual Salute Dinner in August 2025 at the Country Club of Jackson, honoring community leaders who exemplify servant leadership through volunteerism and compassion for others.
Organized and hosted by the Goodwill Industries Volunteer Services (GIVS) group, the evening brought together partners, supporters, and friends of Goodwill for a night of gratitude and inspiration. Guests reflected on the impact of servant leaders across Central Mississippi individuals who strengthen their communities through kindness, dedication, and purpose.
CEO Brad Steffani shared, “The Salute Dinner highlights what makes Central Mississippi truly special people who use their time, talents, and hearts to lift others up. These servant leaders remind us that transformation happens when we put others first.”
For 40 years, The Salute Dinner has stood as one of Goodwill’s most cherished traditions celebrating service, leadership, and the mission of transforming lives through lifelong learning and meaningful work.
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH SPOTLIGHTS
Each month, we proudly recognize team members from across Goodwill of Mississippi who go above and beyond in their work. Congratulations to our July, August, and September Employees of the Month your dedication, positivity, and commitment to our mission continue to make Goodwill a place where lives are changed every day
BUILDING TOWARD THE FUTURE: GOODWILL LAUNCHES NEW 403(B) PLAN
Goodwill Industries of Central Mississippi has officially begun the rollout of its new 403(b) retirement savings plan through Human Interest, giving employees an easy way to invest in their financial future.
As part of the launch, representatives from Cadence Bank joined the Goodwill HR team for an on-site roadshow to help employees learn more about the new benefit and how to get started.
Eligible employees can now save for retirement with up to a 5% employer match and become fully vested after four years.
If you’re already enrolled and would like to make changes to your plan or contribution percentage, scan the QR code below!
WE HEARD YOU! EMPLOYEE FEEDBACK IN ACTION
Thank you to everyone who completed our recent Employee Engagement Survey your feedback plays a vital role in shaping the future of Goodwill Industries of Mississippi.
Based on your input, we’ve taken meaningful steps to strengthen employee relations, professional development, and communication across the organization:
Goodwill High Five Program – Recognizing outstanding team members each month
Quarterly Management Roundtables – Encouraging open dialogue and collaboration 403(b) Retirement Plan Rollout – Helping employees invest in their financial future
Assistant Manager Development Training – Quarterly courses focused on leadership and growth
Store Manager Training Program – Finalized in 2025 to support manager success
Goodwill Family Day – Our annual employee celebration took place again in 2025 and will return in 2026!
Looking ahead, Breakfast with Leadership launches in 2026 giving employees the chance to connect directly with Goodwill’s leaders in a relaxed setting
Your voice makes a difference! Have ideas or feedback? Email hr@goodwillms.org — we’re always listening and working to make Goodwill an even better place to work.
YOUR ONE STOP FOR ALL THINGS GOODWILL OF MISSISSIPPI!
GIDDY UP WITH GOODWILL: FAMILY DAY BRINGS FUN AND FELLOWSHIP FOR EMPLOYEES AND FAMILIES
Goodwill Industries of Mississippi hosted its annual Family Day recently, and this year’s theme Giddy Up with Goodwill brought plenty of Western-inspired fun for employees and their families!
From start to finish, the day was filled with laughter, connection, and community spirit Our CEO took to the grill, serving up delicious hamburgers and hotdogs while guests enjoyed a cake walk, prize giveaways, a sweet treat table, inflatables, and even a snow cone truck that helped everyone cool off in the warm afternoon sun.
A special thank you goes to ShaNisha Burns for her thoughtful planning and outstanding execution of this event. Her hard work ensured every detail from decorations to activities came together perfectly for a day our Goodwill family won’t soon forget.
We’d also like to give a big shout-out to our Goodwill Ambassadors for coming out to help and spreading their signature energy throughout the day. Your dedication and teamwork truly make a difference!
At Goodwill Industries of Mississippi, we believe in transforming lives through lifelong learning and meaningful work and celebrations like Family Day remind us that our greatest strength lies in the people who make up our Goodwill family.
GHOULWILL BASH 2025: OUR BIGGEST BASH YET!
More than 150 supporters filled Duling Hall in Jackson on October 23 for the 2025 Ghoulwill Bash Goodwill Industries of Mississippi’s biggest and best yet! Guests enjoyed an evening of costumes, dancing, and community spirit, all in support of Goodwill’s mission of transforming lives through lifelong learning and meaningful work.
The night featured festive hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, great music, a lively silent auction, and a spirited costume contest with top prizes for creativity and Goodwill spirit.
“Our community’s support makes this event so special,” said Brad Steffani, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Mississippi
“The Ghoulwill Bash truly reflects how people come together to help others build better lives”
Funds raised support Goodwill’s workforce development and education programs across Central Mississippi, helping individuals gain skills and meaningful employment.
OPENING DOORS ATTHE FASTENAL HIRING EVENT
Goodwill Industries of Mississippi was proud to partner with Fastenal for a recent Hiring Event, where job seekers had the chance to connect directly with Fastenal representatives about available career opportunities
The event was a strong success, with 27 intake forms completed by individuals eager to take the next step in their career journey. Each of these forms represents a person exploring meaningful work, and we are excited to see how many will soon find employment through this opportunity
Events like these are at the heart of our mission transforming lives through lifelong learning and meaningful work. By connecting community members with employers like Fastenal, we’re not only helping fill open positions but also helping individuals find pathways to financial independence
the latest updates on events, book and Instagram! Your lifelong learning and meaningful
