Take a look at our successes at Goodwill Industries of Arkansas in FY23. We are changing lives through education, training and employment.
1
mission magazine / volume 2 / sUMMER 2025
OUR MISSION CHANGING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT
2
goodwill industries of arkansas
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO building brighter futures across arkansas
Welcome to the latest edition of Mission Magazine, where we share the heart of what we do at Goodwill Industries of Arkansas. While many know the Goodwill name, far fewer understand the full scope of our mission, which we work toward every day—changing lives through education, training and employment. This issue highlights just a few of the incredible moments and milestones we’ve celebrated over the last few months. April marked Second Chance Month, and we were proud to host multiple graduations for our Transitional Employment Opportunity participants across the state. These individuals are proof that, with support and opportunity, second chances can lead to powerful new beginnings. We also continued to expand our Last Mile to Work program, helping more Arkansans overcome transportation barriers and get to their jobs reliably. Despite facing challenges— including a fire at our Excel Center that caused devastating water damage—our team and students showed remarkable resilience. Staff quickly pivoted, and students adapted as classes moved into temporary spaces across the Goodwill Resource Center. This spring, we proudly celebrated Academy graduates, including five former Excel Center students who earned
industry-recognized certifications as Certified Clinical Medical Assistants, Pharmacy Technicians and Welders—an inspiring example of our mission in action. We also broke ground on our newest retail and donation center in Little Rock’s Chenal Valley. This flagship location will play a vital role in fueling our mission, creating jobs and generating critical resources to support our education, training and employment programs. Our sustainability efforts remain a core focus. I had the privilege, alongside our VP of Operations Louis Alderman, to attend the 2025 Plastics Recycling Conference and Textile Recovery Summit, where we explored new ways to advance our environmental impact. Additionally, our recent Mindful Moveouts partnership with colleges across Arkansas encourages students to donate unwanted items as they move out for summer. We hope you enjoy this edition of Mission—and thank you for supporting our work to build brighter futures across Arkansas. Thank you for changing a life!
Brian F. Marsh, President & CEO Goodwill Industries of Arkansas, Inc.
3
mission magazine / volume 2 / sUMMER 2025
GIA LEADERSHIP gia execUTIVE team
BRIAN F. MARSH President and Chief Executive Officer
LENESHA JONES Sr. Vice President of Human Resources and Chief People Officer
RON MEIJERINK Sr. Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
SYLVIA MURCHISON Sr. Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
EDIE STEWART Sr. Vice President and Chief Mission Officer
LOUIS ALDERMAN Vice President of Operations
JHERRITHAN DUKES Vice President of Education and Training
RICHELLE ERDMAN Vice President of Donated Goods
TRENT WUNSTELL Vice President of Performance Excellence
GIA board of directors
Miguel Lopez Board Chair Southern Bancorp
Elizabeth Small Vice Chair UA Little Rock College of Business
Troy Wells Past Chair Baptist Health
Carrie Harper Smith Secretary Sterling Seacrest Partners
Jay Meador Treasurer First Horizon Bank
Douglas Jackson Foundation Chair Merrill Lynch
Denise Luft Mission Chair Janet Jones Realty
Chris Amsler Commercial Mail Service, Inc.
Jeff Byers Mainstream Technologies, Inc.
Matuschka Lindo Briggs Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Ted Darragh, III Darragh Company
Danny Games Entergy
Fred M. Perkins, III Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP
Mike Poore Education Partners
Gary Stark Walton Personal Philanthropy Group
Jay Stanley Stone Ward
Brad Walker Catlett Law Firm
4
goodwill industries of arkansas
GIA NEWS & NOTES Goodwill Expands Mission Impact with New Flagship Store in Chenal Valley
GIA receives lowe’s foundation gable grant Goodwill Industries of Arkansas is ex- panding its skilled trades training pro- grams through support from the Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grant. As one of up to five Goodwill organizations nationwide selected for this opportunity, Goodwill Arkansas will receive a $45,000 subgrant to strengthen career pathways in electri- cal, plumbing, HVAC, construction, and appliance repair. The funding will enhance pre-apprenticeship opportunities and align with Registered Apprenticeship Programs, helping participants move directly from training to employment. This initiative fo- cuses on creating access for underrepre- sented individuals in the trades and will in- clude job site tours, mentorship, and skill demonstrations—building strong industry connections and supporting long-term workforce development. GIA partners with ambassadors for christ Goodwill Industries of Arkansas and Am- bassadors for Christ Youth Ministries have partnered to deliver workforce training and reentry services to incarcerated in- dividuals through the Pathway Home 4 program. This initiative provides eligible participants, ages 18 and older, with ac- cess to industry-recognized certifications in skilled trades, business, healthcare, and information technology—helping prepare them for employment before and after release. The program focuses on reduc- ing recidivism by offering job placement assistance, mentorship, career planning, and individualized development plans that address barriers to employment. Partici- pants also receive support with obtaining state identification, connecting to social services, and accessing transportation. Through this partnership, Goodwill and AFC are committed to empowering indi- viduals with the skills, resources, and con- fidence needed to successfully reintegrate into their communities and build brighter, more stable futures.
Goodwill Industries of Arkansas is taking a major step forward in its mission to change lives through education, training and employment with the pur- chase of land for a new flagship retail store and do - nation center in Little Rock’s Chenal Valley. Located at 620 Kirk Road, this will be Goodwill’s 36th retail location in the state and the organization’s first new- build construction project. The 20,000-square-foot store is expected to cre - ate 30–50 new jobs and serve as a key donation center, offering local residents an opportunity to support Goodwill’s mission simply by donating and shopping. Beyond retail, every transaction at Good- will helps fuel programs that provide life-changing services across Arkansas—including The Excel Center, the state’s only high school for adults 19 and
CHENAL GROUNDBREAKING VIDEO
older, The Academy at Goodwill for workforce certification, Reentry Services for justice-in - volved individuals, and Career Services that help hundreds find employment each year. This new store not only strengthens Goodwill’s sustainability efforts by promoting reuse and recycling but also generates the revenue needed to fund these essential education and employment programs. By expanding its footprint in the Chenal Valley community, Goodwill will continue to create opportunities for Arkansans to earn diplomas, build skills, and secure meaningful employment—helping more individuals achieve self-sufficiency and a brighter future. The store is anticipated to open in early 2026, with CBM Construction Co. of Little Rock serving as the general contractor. Learn more about our new store at GoodwillAR.org/ Chenal.
GIA welcomes new Sr. vp & coo, ron meijerink
in memoriam
Goodwill Industries of Arkansas has appointed Ron Meijerink as its new senior vice president and chief oper- ating officer. Meijerink brings extensive leadership expe - rience from multiple Goodwill organizations and a back- ground in operations, logistics, and e-commerce. Known for driving innovation and growth, he will help advance Goodwill’s mission: changing lives through education, training and employment. His proven success in revenue growth, sustainability initiatives, and operational excel- lence positions him to lead Goodwill Arkansas toward greater impact and expanded opportunities for the com- munities it serves.
pete dennis GIA celebrates the life of Pete Dennis who passed away in February. Pete served as our VP of Mission Services. He
was a valued leader, a friend to many and made a lasting impact on our organiza- tion. Thank you for your service to Good- will and the people of Arkansas.
5
mission magazine / volume 2 / sUMMER 2025
GIA SPOTLIGHT FOUNDATION
support our mission at the 2025 gala for good Mark your calendars for this year’s Gala for Good, which will be held on October 11th at the State- house Convention Center. We will celebrate the spirit of Goodwill with a festive New Orleans twist. Dinner and cocktails will follow our annual awards ceremony. For a lit- tle lagniappe, we have arranged a special performance flying in from The Big Easy.
goodwill of arkansas foundation participates in northwest arkansas day of giving On April 3, 2025, we joined some incredible non-profit organiza - tions by participating in NWA Gives, an annual giving day to support the people of North- west Arkansas. With your help, we were able to make an even greater impact. Together, we are creating pathways to success for those who need it most.
Denise and Tim Luft are excit- ed to serve as our chairs this year. Denise has been on the Board of Directors for Goodwill Indus- tries of Arkansas since 1999 and has served as Vice Chairman and
Denise & tim Luft + 2025 gala for good chairs
Chairman. She and Tim are proud of the work of Goodwill and the role the organi- zation plays in improving the lives of Arkansans through education and job training. We invite you to join us in making a lasting impact on our community and hon- oring the achievements of our program participants, graduates, and community partners. Let the good times roll! to support the mission of goodwill industries of arkansas, visit givetogood.org
6
goodwill industries of arkansas
GIA SPOTLIGHT SUSTAINABILITY mindful moveouts promotes
sustainability & drives donations Goodwill’s Mindful Moveouts initiative encourages stu- dents across Arkansas to donate unwanted items while moving out of campus housing—promoting sustainability while supporting Goodwill’s mission. Donation bins were placed at participating colleges, including the University of Central Arkansas, University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, Philan - der Smith University, and the University of Arkansas Little Rock. Students were able to easily donate clothing, shoes, electronics and household goods they no longer needed, helping reduce landfill waste and giving these items a sec - ond life. These donations directly support Goodwill’s edu- cation, job training and employment programs, making it simple for students to make a positive impact on both the environment and their community.
additional sustainability programs and Partnerships From Donations to Impact: Goodwill Highlights Mission on Earth Day – Goodwill Indus- tries of Arkansas participated in UALR’s Earth Day event on April 22, sharing how donations fuel more than just our thrift stores— they support education, job training, reentry services, and more. Team members Courtney Wilder, Nicolette Stokes, and
Turning Toys into Art: Goodwill Supports Student Creativity and Sustainability – Goodwill Industries of Arkansas proudly supported Springdale’s Walker Elementary’s Night at the Museum STEAM Night by donating toys for students to repurpose into creative sculptures. The project highlighted the power of reuse and the importance of sus- tainability—core values of Goodwill’s mission to reduce waste and give items a second life through donation. 2025 Plastics Recycling Conference & Textile Recovery Summit, March 24-26, 2025 at the Gaylord National Harbor – Goodwill In- dustries of Arkansas President and CEO Brian Marsh and VP of Op- erations Louis Alderman recently attended the first-ever Textile Re -
Amber January connected with students and the community to high- light Goodwill’s mission and sustainability efforts, including the life cycle of a donation and ways to make a positive impact. Turning Denim Into Design: Goodwill Partners for Sustainable Style – Goodwill donated a bale of denim to the Sustainability Fashion Club at the University of Arkansas Fayetteville. The denim was repurposed into creative designs for the club’s annual Denim Day Fashion Show, celebrating sustainable fashion. The event was open to the public and held April 28 on the U of A campus.
covery Summit at the Plastics Recycling Conference in Washington D.C. This landmark event brought together policy- makers, industry leaders and innovators to explore the future of textile recovery and promote sustainability across the
sector. Attendees engaged in panel discussions and workshops fo- cused on scaling recovery systems, circular design and innovative recycling technologies.
7
mission magazine / volume 2 / sUMMER 2025
Alex’s reentry journey with goodwill. FINDING A 2 ND CHANCE
(501) 372-5100
teo@goodwillar.org
8
goodwill industries of arkansas
meet aLEX FLOWERS TEO program GRADUATE
Congratulations to our TEO graduates! Recent graduations
After facing the chal- lenges of incarceration, Alex Flowers knew he wanted more for his life and his family. But like many individuals reentering society, he faced significant barri - ers to employment and stability. That’s when he connected with Goodwill Industries of Arkansas’ Reentry Pro- gram—a turning point that helped him reclaim his future. Through Goodwill’s Reentry Services, Alex received job training, employment readi-
Little Rock + Feb. 14, 2025
northwest arkansas + march 4, 2025
northwest arkansas + march 4, 2025
conway + march 24, 2025
northeast arkansas + april 11, 2025
hot springs + april 25, 2025
ness support, and the mentorship needed to navigate the difficult transition back into the workforce. More than just skills, the program gave Alex what he needed most: hope and opportunity. “The staff believed in me when I didn’t believe in my - self,” Alex shared. With their support, he secured stable employment and began to rebuild not just his career—but his confidence and sense of purpose. Goodwill’s Reentry Program is designed to break down barriers for justice-involved individuals by offering paid transitional job training, career planning, and access to community resources. It’s part of Goodwill’s broader mis- sion to change lives through education, training and em- ployment. Alex’s story is a testament to the power of second chances. Thanks to programs like Reentry Services—and the support of donors and shoppers like you—success stories like his are possible every day. ALEX MISSION MOMENT VIDEO DID YOU KNOW? The recidivism rate for graduates of our Transitional Employment Opportunity (TEO) program is less than 6%, compared to the state average of 46%.
second chance month
April marked Second Chance Month, and Goodwill Industries of Ar- kansas took action to create real opportunities for individuals reen- tering society. Our Reentry Team connected with more than 1,200 incarcerated individuals across the state, sharing life-changing in- formation about programs and services designed to support their successful transition. In addition to outreach, GIA hosted several community and recovery events, reinforcing our commitment to sec- ond chances and brighter futures. • National Association of Reentry Professionals Conference: “A Wholistic Approach to Reentry” • Arkansas Department of Corrections and Arkansas Community Corrections visits: • Central Arkansas Community Correction Center in Little Rock • East Central Arkansas Community Correction Center in West Memphis • McPherson Unit in Newport • Northeast Arkansas Community Correction Center in Osceola • Pulaski County Jail • White River Correctional Center in Batesville
learn more at goodwillar.org/reentry
9
mission magazine / volume 2 / sUMMER 2025 mission magazine / volume 2 / summer 2025
students find NEW DIRECTION AT THE EXCEL CENTER. DIPLOMAS IN SIGHT
little rock 7400 scott hamilton drive (501) 372-5100
springdale 2100 s. old missouri road (479) 595-8818
10 goodwill industries of arkansas
Heaven Ledbetter, a determined student from North Little Rock, is proving it’s never too late to finish what you started. After dropping out of high school at 17 and work- ing various jobs, Ledbetter knew she wanted more for her future. “I just needed to further my experi- ences,” she said. She learned about The Excel Center® through her boyfriend’s mother, who works for the Ar- kansas Department of Education. meet HEAVEN LEDBETTER EXCEL CENTER STUDENT
upcoming graduations
Now enrolled, Ledbetter is thriving despite the challenges of returning to school after five years. “It’s been a chal - lenge,” she admitted. “But I love The Excel Center. They definitely help you a lot. There are good people to talk to.” One of the most impactful parts of her experience has been working with life coaches. “They help me with life situations when sometimes I feel like I can’t make it,” she shared. “Maybe most importantly, they genuinely help me consider my next steps after I finish and earn my diplo - ma.” Those next steps include enrolling in The Academy at Goodwill to pursue a Pharmacy Technician certification. Ledbetter is also considering college—a future she’s now confidently planning, diploma in sight.
little rock + june 18 + 6pm springdale + june 27 + 6pm
gia launches goodwilltec.org
Goodwill Industries of Arkansas has launched GoodwillTEC.org , the new website for the Goodwill Training and Education Cen- ter (GTEC). With a fresh look and improved functionality, the site highlights GTEC programs and makes it easier for administrators to engage current students and connect with prospective learners across Arkansas.
Resilience in Action: Excel Center Staff and Students Pivot After Fire Damage
When unexpected fires caused significant wa - ter damage to The Excel Center in March, our in- credible team rose to the challenge. Thanks to the resilience and dedication of our staff—and the flex - ibility of our students— classes continued without missing a beat, relocating into temporary spaces across the Goodwill Re- source Center. In the mid- dle of the term, our edu- cators quickly adapted,
ensuring students stayed on track toward earning their high school diplomas. We are grateful to our Academy, Excel Center and facilities teams for their hard work during this transition and look forward to returning to The Excel Center next term, stronger than ever.
learn more at goodwillar.org/excel
11 mission magazine / volume 2 / sUMMER 2025 mission magazine / volume 2 / summer 2025
ACADEMY GRADuateS CELEBRATE success and NEW BEGINNINGS. A REASON TO SMILE
little rock 7400 scott hamilton drive (501) 372-5100
springdale 2100 s. old missouri road (479) 595-8818
12 goodwill industries of arkansas
Shannan Builds a Brighter Future Through The Academy at Goodwill
meet KOREA DISMUKE ACADEMY GRADUATE
After 17 years working in fast food, Shannan Brink knew she wanted something more—but like many adults seeking a new path, she didn’t know where to begin. That’s when she discov- ered The Academy at Goodwill. “The Academy gave me the opportunity to do something I never thought I’d be able to do,” Shannan shared. She enrolled in the Cer- tified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) pro- gram, earning both her certification and multi - ple digital skills creden- tials through GTEC. Thanks to her train-
When Korea Dismuke enrolled in our Construction Trades program, he had one clear goal: to turn his passion for home renovations into a career. “I’ve always loved working with my hands and seeing the transformation of
ACADEMY CONSTRUCTION VIDEO
SHANNAN BRINK VIDEO
a space,” he said. “Taking this course is giving me the skills I need to do renovations and remodels professionally.” From mastering power tools to reading blueprints, Korea is gaining hands-on experience that will help him launch into the home improvement industry after graduation. We’re proud to support students like Korea who are building bright fu- tures—one project at a time. April 28 was a day of celebration – with over 20 students graduating from various Academy programs. Friends, family and Academy staff gathered to honor graduates from our healthcare, welding and con- struction programs. Congratulations, graduates! over 20 students graduate at spring commencement
ing and determination, Shannan was hired at CSL Plasma Donation in Springdale. While the starting pay for her role is $13.00 per hour, her CCMA certification and additional skills earned at Goodwill helped her secure a starting wage of $15.10 per hour—with opportunities for raises and bo- nuses as she advances. Balancing life, classes, and career goals wasn’t easy, but Shannan’s perseverance and the support of The Acad- emy’s staff made all the difference. Today, she’s not just starting a job—she’s building a career and a brighter future for herself and her family. “I feel proud of myself,” Shannan said. “I’ve shown my kids that no matter how long it takes, you can always pur- sue your dreams.” At The Academy, we believe one’s future should reflect their potential—not their past.
SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES
Goodwill believes in investing in our employees by providing education and training to further their careers. The Academy at Goodwill Employee Scholarship provides a full scholarship into one of the certification programs. Employees who work full-time for Goodwill, who are in good standing and who have been with #TeamBlueAR for at least 90 days are eligible to apply.
learn more at goodwillar.org/academy
ACADEMY GRADUATION RECAP VIDEO
13 mission magazine / volume 2 / sUMMER 2025 mission magazine / volume 2 / summer 2025
Goodwill’s Last Mile to Work Program. BRIDGING THE GAP
CAREERSERVICES @goodwillar.org
(501) 372-5100 EXT. 1216
14 goodwill industries of arkansas
last mile to work eliminating the transportation barrier
Health equipment loan program The Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP) at Goodwill Industries of Arkansas provides access to health equipment for Arkansans in need. Available on a first-come, first-serve basis, the program de - pends on community donations. Interested individuals can visit their local Goodwill store to complete a HELP request form and check equipment availability.
LAST MILE TO WORK VIDEO
At Goodwill Industries of Arkansas, we believe transportation shouldn’t stand in the way of a fresh start. For many job seekers, reliable transportation is one of the biggest barriers to employment. That’s why we offer Last Mile to Work—a program designed to help individuals overcome these challenges and stay on track toward their career goals.
career services spotlight: Annette’s journey
Through Last Mile to Work, eligible employees receive re- furbished, like-new bicycles, along with a helmet and safety instructions, providing them with a reliable, cost-free way to get to work. This support helps ensure participants can show up consistently and confidently—opening the door to long- term success. When someone is ready to work but lacks the means to get there, this program helps fill that gap, removing a key obstacle on the path to financial independence and stability. Through initiatives like Last Mile to Work, Goodwill continues its mission of changing lives through education, training and employment. Donations and purchases help fund these vital services, making it possible for more Arkansans to achieve meaningful employment and a brighter future.
When Annette Vanhoven walked into a Goodwill Career Center in New- port, she was looking for a job—what she found was a future. With the support of Career Nav- igator Lori Malone, An- nette built her resume,
ANNETTE VANOVEN VIDEO
sharpened her interview skills, and landed a full-time role at Good- will. Now a keyholder and safety ambassador at our Paragould store, Annette has spent 10 years growing her career. Her dedication even included a remarkable seven-year stretch without missing a day of work. “You can do anything you set your mind to and succeed in life,” Annette says—and she’s living proof.
learn more at goodwillar.org/CAREER-SERVICES
15 mission magazine / volume 2 / sUMMER 2025
16 goodwill industries of arkansas
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator