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.
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mission magazine / volume 2 / sUMMER 2025
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