Take a look at our successes at Goodwill Industries of Arkansas in FY23. We are changing lives through education, training and employment.
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mission magazine / volume 1 / spring 2025
OUR MISSION CHANGING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT
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A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO Transforming Lives Through Your Generosity
Many people don’t realize the true impact of Goodwill. While our retail stores are visible in communities, they serve a greater purpose as the social enterprise powering our life- changing mission programs. Every day, we help individuals journey from uncertainty to possibility, from dependence to independence. This transformation happens because of the incredible support we receive through both physical donations and financial gifts. In the past year, we were blessed with nearly one million donations, representing 98 percent of our operating revenue. These contributions enable us to strengthen our educational initiatives, training programs, career services, and reentry support across Arkansas. I’m proud to share that in the last fiscal year, we touched the lives of 7,866 individuals through our education, training, and employment services. Over the past two years, our impact has grown significantly with the launch of the Goodwill Training and Education Center (GTEC) in Little Rock and Springdale. These centers house two transformative programs: The Excel Center, our adult high school, and The Academy, our specialized trade school offering certifications in essential fields like welding, construction, healthcare, business, and IT. We’re actively building Arkansas’s workforce, creating pathways to sustainable careers.
The success of our programs speaks volumes. Our Excel Center in Little Rock has experienced remarkable growth, doubling enrollment annually over the past two years and celebrating a record-breaking 39 graduates in June ‘24. Through our 33 Career Service Centers across Arkansas, we provide comprehensive job search and placement support. Additionally, our Reentry Services program, operating in 24 communities, offers paid job training and barrier removal assistance to justice-involved individuals seeking a fresh start. The numbers tell a powerful story: while Arkansas’s recidivism rate exceeds 46%, participants in our program maintain a rate below 4%. These life-changing opportunities exist because of your generous support. Whether you make a monetary contribution or donate items from your home, you’re helping create pathways to success for fellow Arkansans. From all of us at Goodwill Industries of Arkansas, thank you for supporting the mission of GIA and being part of this transformative journey!
Brian F. Marsh, President & CEO Goodwill Industries of Arkansas, Inc.
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mission magazine / volume 1 / spring 2025
GIA NEWS & NOTES meet the gia exec team
goodwill industries of arkansas partners with little rock school district to boost early childhood education
Goodwill Industries of Arkansas and the Little Rock School District Early Childhood Department announce a partnership aimed at supporting early child- hood education and workforce development in the community.
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
click here to read more
EDIE STEWART Sr. Vice President and Chief Mission Officer
SHANNON BOSHEARS Sr. Vice President of Development
TRENT WUNSTELL Vice President of Performance Excellence
LOUIS ALDERMAN Vice President of Operations
want to learn more about the mission impact from goodwill last year? View or download our interactive 2024 annual report. click here
PETE DENNIS Vice President of Mission Services
JHERRITHAN DUKES Vice President of Education and Training
RICHELLE ERDMAN Vice President of Donated Goods
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goodwill industries of arkansas
GIA NEWS & NOTES GIA introduces new additions to its 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
Goodwill Industries of Arkansas welcomes two new members to its Board of Directors beginning in 2025. Jeff Byers and Mike Poore will utilize their experience and expertise to contribute to the organization’s mission of changing lives through education, training and employment. Byers is vice president of software solutions for Mainstream Technologies, Inc. where he ensures associates have the essentials needed to provide a vast array of client solutions. Poore currently serves as the executive vice president of Ed- ucation Partners, an organization that aims to build a community of collaborative partners who share a common mission and vision for excellence in education. “We are thrilled to have Jeff and Mike join our board,” said GIA President and CEO Brian Marsh. “These gentlemen have deep relationships with GIA and leaders across the state, and we can draw from their respective backgrounds as we con - tinue to expand the positive impact our mission is making across the state.”
in memoriam – honoring and celebrating those we’ve lost Mitch Chandler
johnnie taylor Johnnie Camp Taylor, 81 Springfield, Arkansas, former - ly North Little Rock passed away on January 15, 2025. Johnnie was a long-time Executive Director of Goodwill Industries of Arkansas with a career spanning 36 years. During this time, she set the foundation which has allowed Goodwill Industries of Arkansas to thrive. Her legacy will live on for many years through the continued, transforma- tional work at GIA.
GIA celebrates the life of Mitch Chandler who passed away on November 28, 2024, in Little Rock. Mitch served on Good- will’s Board of Directors for more than a decade. Thank you for your service to Goodwill and the people of Arkansas.
For Mitch and Johnnie, the family requests memorial contributions can be made to Goodwill Industries of Arkansas. www.givetogood.org.
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mission magazine / volume 1 / spring 2025
GIA SPOTLIGHT FOUNDATION
Goodwill Industries of Arkansas celebrated its 2nd Annual Gala for Good, a remarkable evening showcasing the inspiring achievements of program partic- ipants, graduates, and community partners. Presented by Bank OZK and co- chaired by longtime Goodwill supporters Elizabeth and Tom Small, this signature fundraising event was a resounding success. The gala, held at the Wally Allen Ballroom in Little Rock’s Statehouse Conven - tion Center, featured a delightful mix of entertainment and philanthropy. Attend- ees were treated to a plated dinner, signature cocktails, and thrilling live and silent auctions. Attendees also enjoyed a performance by the internationally acclaimed “Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience,” hailed by the New York Daily News as “The world’s top Michael Jackson Tribute Band.” Most importantly, the event raised more than $260,000 (gross) reinforcing the community’s commitment to Goodwill’s mission. These funds will provide vital support for Goodwill’s programs, offering life-changing opportunities in educa - tion, training and employment to individuals striving to better their lives, families, and communities.
GALA FOR GOOD VIDEO
Mark your calendars for these giving opportunities to support our mission! NWA Gives April 3, 2025 NWAGives.org Goodwill Day of Giving May 6, 2025 GivetoGood.org Third Annual Gala for Good October 11, 2025 TheGalaforGood.org
to support the mission of goodwill industries of arkansas, visit givetogood.org
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goodwill industries of arkansas
GIA SPOTLIGHT SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability manager Nicolette Stokes recently engaged with students at The Excel Center in Little Rock, delivering an insightful presentation to Kevin Hamilton’s Environmental Science class. During the interactive session, Stokes led an in-depth discussion on critical environmental topics, including our im- pact on global ecosystems and the growing climate crisis. The conversation explored various career paths in environmental protection, waste management, and corporate sustainability roles, along with the essential skills and qualifi - cations needed to succeed in these fields. Students learned about real-world
challenges like resource depletion and sustainable development. Stokes also highlighted Goodwill’s innovative sustainabil- ity initiatives, including their recycling programs, waste reduction strategies, and environmental conservation efforts that demonstrate practical solutions to today’s ecological challenges.
CURRENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS Mindful Move-Outs – GIA is partnering with universities statewide to assist with campus waste reduction efforts. This program provides accessibility to recycle their used items instead of discarding them at the end of the fall and spring semesters. GIA has successfully completed the first Mindful Move- Out event with the University of Central Arkansas in Fall 2024. Future Spring 2025 partnerships will also include University of Arkansas – Little Rock and Henderson State University. Glass Recycling – GIA established a partnership with local glass recycler EPIC Glass and has recycled 13,400 pounds of glass from after-retail salvage. After-Retail Recycling – Cardboard, E-waste, metals and plastics are re- cycled from our GIA warehouses through local partners, including Marck Recycling. Little Rock Recycles Day – GIA participates in the Little Rock Recycles Day at the Little Rock Zoo yearly, assisting the community with recycling and making the donation process more accessible.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT &
EDUCATION PROGRAMS With education and training being conveniently provided by our GTEC Academy and Excel Centers, the incorpo- ration of “Green Skills” into our programs to supply the labor for new sustainabili- ty-focused operations while also supporting new revenue streams. • Sustainability Seminars – Efficiency Practices & Recycling Techniques
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mission magazine / volume 1 / spring 2025
Ashley bonilla’s second chance – a journey of resilience, hope and the transformative power of opportunity.
(501) 372-5100
teo@goodwillar.org
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goodwill industries of arkansas
meet ashley bonilla TEO program GRADUATE
Congratulations, JO WILSON MYRICK GIA’s 2024 GRaduate of the year
The Graduate of the Year is awarded to an outstanding person who completed a Goodwill program, is com- petitively employed outside of Goodwill, and who over- came barriers to attain and maintain employment. Jo Wilson Myrick’s life hit rock bottom at the age of 35 when she was incarcerated during a battle with drug addiction. Upon reentering society, she found it difficult to find em - ployment, even after previous- ly working for a number of law firms. Eventually, a friend rec - ommended Goodwill’s Transi- tional Employment Opportunity (TEO) Program in 2014 where she found support, accep- tance, and the tools needed to turn her life around.
What does a second chance look like? For Ashley Bo - nilla, it looked like a forklift certification, computer skills training, and the tools to rebuild healthy relationships. But most importantly, it looked like five children reunited with their mother. Ashley’s journey is one of resilience, hope, and the trans- formative power of opportunity. After facing incarceration and struggling to find her footing, Ashley found a lifeline in Goodwill Industries of Arkansas’s Transitional Employ - ment Opportunity (TEO) program in the fall of 2023. “Goodwill really empowered me and motivated me in ways that I’d never been before. They celebrated each of my successes along my journey.” Through the TEO program, Ashley: • Earned a forklift driving certificate • Developed crucial computer and job-seeking skills • Learned financial management • Rebuilt her self-confidence and sense of purpose But Ashley’s path wasn’t without setbacks. Even after nearly completing the program, she faced a relapse that threatened to undo her progress. Yet, with the unwaver - ing support of her Goodwill TEO specialist, Ashley perse- vered. Today, Ashley is a full-time forklift driver at Goodwill. More importantly, she has been reunited with all her chil- dren in their own apartment. Her story is a powerful tes - tament to the impact of second chances and the vital im- portance of programs like TEO. “I’m not proud of my past, but that won’t define me. I want my children to learn from my successes. I want them to see my resilience, honesty and grace.” Ashley’s transformation was made possible in part by the generosity of our donors and shoppers. Every do- nation to Goodwill Industries of Arkansas and purchase at our retail stores directly funds programs that provide skills, opportunities, and hope to Arkansans striving for a better future.
GRAD OF THE YEAR VIDEO
As a TEO graduate, she is now referring people to the same program that helped get her life back on track. She currently serves as the staffing supervisor for Operation Restore at City Connect, a faith- based organization connecting the church and city to fulfill needs in Little Rock. Her organization serves those individuals coming out of drug and alcohol rehab and those coming out of prison.
faulkner county drug court GIA’s 2024 community partner of the year
Community partners are vital to the success of Goodwill’s mission. The Community Partner of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding organization that has con- tributed to the advancement of Goodwill’s mission of changing lives through edu- cation, training and employ- ment. In Faulkner County, Judge Chuck Clawson presides over the Drug Court Program which is a specialty court focusing on nonviolent drug offenders. Through their referrals of in- dividuals to our TEO Reentry program, Goodwill can provide them with the training and help they need to successfully reen- ter the workforce.
PARTNER OF THE YEAR VIDEO
learn more at goodwillar.org/reentry
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mission magazine / volume 1 / spring 2025
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO EARN YOUR DIPLOMA AND TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE. BRIGHTER FUTURES BEGIN AT THE EXCEL CENTER.
little rock 7400 scott hamilton drive (501) 372-5100
springdale 2100 s. old missouri road (479) 595-8818
10 goodwill industries of arkansas
what is the excel center? The Excel Center® provides adults ages 19 and older the oppor- tunity and support to earn a high school diploma at no cost to the student, while developing career paths that offer greater employment and growth opportunities. We offer free on-site childcare, transporta - tion assistance, life coaching, and personalized tutoring to assist stu- dents with overcoming barriers. Our school “meets students where they are” by providing a flexible structure and supportive relation - ships to help them manage work, life, and family as they achieve their educational goals.
meet HANNAH NELSON EXCEL CENTER GRADUATE
Hannah never really went to high school as she was home schooled after the sixth grade and “there was a lot I just didn’t know,” she said. “But the teachers at The Excel Center were absolutely amazing and I couldn’t have asked
for a better experience.” She learned a lot about who she was as a person. “One of the things I learned about myself is that I am a very hard worker. This was the first time I have ever earned an A in school. And looking at my report card, it turns out I had all A’s which is something I’d never experienced before.” “The Excel Center has been a wonderful experience. I didn’t re - ally have a lot of friends growing up so just being able to get out, learn and make friends in the process has been won- derful.”
School board members Miguel Lopez Board Chair
Chris Amsler Phil Baldwin Jonathan Crossley Sajni Kumpuris Brian Marsh
mike poore speaks about the importance of the excel center
Mike was our Spirit of Good- will Award winner due in large part because of his impact on behalf of The Excel Center. Click to watch an excerpt from his inspirational mes- sage.
MIKE POORE VIDEO
NWA COMMENCEMENT VIDEO
RECENT GRADUATIONS
Congratulations to The Excel Centers in Little Rock and Springdale who held their winter commencements in De- cember. Little Rock saw their highest number of winter graduates walk with 36 graduates and Springdale had sev- en remarkable individuals cross the finish line to claim their hard-earned high school diplomas. Each graduate’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, overcoming person- al obstacles with unwavering hope. Springdale’s keynote speaker, Carlos Garbutt, Director of Arkansas 211 and Benton County coordinator for 100
LR COMMENCEMENT VIDEO
LR GRAD RECAP VIDEO
Families at United Way of Northwest Arkansas, beautifully captured the es - sence of their achievement. “Hope charts a path for you. Hope helps you stay on course. Hope is fuel for action. This is your first step on the pathway to hope.” These words resonate deeply with our mission and the incredible determination displayed by our graduates. To our graduates, staff, and ev - eryone who made this celebration possible - thank you for your inspiration!
learn more at goodwillar.org/excel
11 mission magazine / volume 1 / spring 2025
AT THE ACADEMY, WE’RE IGNITING CAREERS IN BUSINESS, WELDING, HEALTHCARE, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND MORE.
little rock 7400 scott hamilton drive (501) 372-5100
springdale 2100 s. old missouri road (479) 595-8818
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meet lAbrandon nichols academy GRADUATE
what is the academy at goodwill? The Academy at Goodwill, licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Private Career Education, provides the training needed to secure new employment and advance your career. The goal of each pro- gram is to provide opportunities for non-traditional students to earn industry-recognized credentials and certifications that lead directly to employment in jobs that guarantee a living wage. We offer acceler - ated and affordable programs in a variety of fields. Scholarships are available to individuals who meet certain requirements.
LaBrandon Nichols embodies the mission of Goodwill Industries of Arkansas. He discovered Goodwill’s pro - grams through Facebook and joined the Transitional Em- ployment Opportunity (TEO) program, our 16-week paid reentry initiative. His journey began at the Goodwill Re - source Center (GRC) in Little Rock. After completing the TEO program, he reached a point where he sought to establish a career path. In discussions with his Reentry program specialist, Jamie Gregrich, he explored ways to transform his goals into reality by ob- taining a professional certification from The Academy. “After finishing the TEO program, Jamie told me about The Academy’s offerings, including their welding pro - gram,” LaBrandon explained. “We discussed it and I en - rolled immediately. I dove right in.”
Beginning something new can feel intimi- dating, but LaBrandon notes that the program is designed for partici- pant success. “The program is fast- paced and there is a lot to learn, but there is so much help and support. That is one of the best parts of the program – working together with others and being able to practice together. I was nervous, but I began to feel confident. Through - out the 16 weeks it builds your confidence. The different projects that you practice use the same materials that you perform your test on so that makes you more comfortable.”
About the academy’s welding course Qualified welders are in demand across the state and nation. The Academy at Goodwill offers a welding certification program focused on equipping soon-to-be welders with the skills to safely and appro- priately use welding equipment, torches and common hand tools used in the welding process. This course is perfect for an individual who has an interest in welding and wants to pursue a career as a welder. Classes meet Monday-Friday with intensive one on one instruction when needed. Enrollment is open for up to 20 students at each lo - cation. The cost of the course includes curriculum, books, in-class instruc- tion, access to the welding lab equipment, weld test certifications in SMAW and FCAW, and a welder kit that the student keeps after suc- cessful completion of the program. Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Payment plans are also available and can be discussed with the program manager at the pre-enrollment interview. Industry partners visit with students during the course to expose students to a variety of employers and job opportunities. Want more information? Visit GoodwillAR.org/interest. employee scholarships Goodwill believes in investing in our employees by pro- viding education and training to further their careers. The Academy at Goodwill Employee Scholarship pro- vides a full scholarship into one of the certification programs. Em - ployees who work full-time for Goodwill, who are in good standing and who have been with #TeamBlueAR for at least 30 days are eli - gible to apply.
VIDEO
What’s next for LaBrandon? Having completed the TEO program and secured his welding certification from The Academy, he’s now pursuing his high school diploma at The Excel Center. “My next step involves earning my high school diploma from the Excel Center. Once I achieve that, I intend to further my welding career. My goal is to become a CWS - certified welding supervisor - and eventually establish my own business.”
learn more at goodwillar.org/academy
13 mission magazine / volume 1 / spring 2025
CAREER SERVICES OFFERS FREE ASSISTANCE TO HELP BUILD PROMISING FUTURES – HELPING THOUSANDS OF ARKANSANS FIND JOBS.
Lauren Murphy (left) with Velma Davie - Conway Oak St. Location
CAREERSERVICES @goodwillar.org
(501) 372-5100 EXT. 1216
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30+ CAREER SERVICE CENTERS STATEWIDE Batesville 3209 Harrison Street | (501) 517-1120 Bella Vista 210 Towncenter | (501) 551-0551 Benton 1716 Military Road | (501) 297-2896 Bentonville 1400 SE Walton Boulevard | (501) 551-0551 Blytheville 125 Chickasaw Plaza Drive | (501) 503-8496 Bryant 5914 Hwy 5 N | (501) 297-2896 Cabot 204 South Rockwood Drive | (501) 412-6294 Conway 245 Oak Street | (501) 413-0775 El Dorado 1430 North West Avenue | (501) 551-3866 Fayetteville 705 East Appleby Road | (501) 517-1327 Fayetteville 3105 M.L.K. Boulevard | (501) 517-1327 Fort Smith 3225 South 74th Street | (501) 478-5147 Harrison 814 US-62 65 North, #9 | (501) 541-2749 Hot Springs 205 Garrison Road | (501) 412-5439 Hot Springs 631 East Grand Avenue | (501) 412-5439 Jacksonville 1309 T.P. White Drive | (501) 551-2546 Jonesboro 1515 South Caraway Road | (501) 680-7717 Little Rock 7400 Scott Hamilton Drive | (501) 372-5100 ext.1127 Little Rock 109 Markham Park Drive | (501) 563-4121 Little Rock 2500 Cantrell Road | (501) 554-2026 Mountain Home 759 Highway 62 East, #110 | (501) 413-9040 Newport 2500 Malcolm Avenue, Suite D | (501) 517-1120 North Little Rock 6929 John F. Kennedy Blvd #112 | (501) 551-2546 Paragould 2808 W Kings Highway | (501) 503-8496 Pine Bluff 2514 West 28th Avenue | (501) 563-5127 Rogers 4301 South Dixieland Road | (501) 413-4034 Rogers 1301 North Dixieland Road | (501) 413-4034 Russellville 2100 North Arkansas Avenue | (501) 454-4315 Searcy 2009 East Race Avenue | (501) 412-6294 Siloam Springs 1001 South Mt Olive Street | (501) 410-4408 Springdale 5252 West Sunset Avenue | (501) 413-2974 Springdale 2100 South Old Missouri Road | (501) 410-4408 Texarkana 1916 North State Line Avenue | (501) 274-2889
Q&A with Career Navigator Lauren MURPHY
What role does Goodwill’s Career Services play in the local communities we serve? Lauren Murphy: Career Services plays a key role in sup- porting communities throughout Arkansas. We focus on meet- ing clients where they are, addressing their immediate needs and offering the support they need to move forward. Whether it’s connecting them with local community partners or refer- ring them to one of our Goodwill mission programs, we’re here to help individuals take the next step toward employment. We assist the community by providing valuable information about local job openings, helping with resume updates, preparing clients for interviews and offering professional attire for inter - views or new jobs. Our approach is all-encompassing, offering services that not only focus on career support but also connect people to other important community resources. While getting a job is our primary goal, we take a more personal approach to make sure our clients have everything they need to not just get a job but to keep it and thrive in their careers. What do you feel is the most impactful aspect of your role as a career navigator? LM: As a career navigator, many people assume our job is simply about helping individuals find employment, but our work goes far beyond that. We often start with clients from challeng- ing situations and support them as they grow, develop new skills and achieve goals they once thought were out of reach. Being part of someone’s journey toward building self-confi - dence and realizing their full potential is incredibly rewarding for all of us in this role. Much of our work happens behind the scenes, and while it may not always be visible, it’s crucial to the success of those we serve. We also have the privilege of work- ing closely with our retail store teams, and it’s truly fulfilling to witness our employees reach their goals, advance within the company, or open doors to new, life-changing opportunities. Is there a specific client story you can share that sums up the mission of Career Services? LM: Kylea came to Goodwill seeking a second chance, re - ferred by someone in the community who believed we could help. After speaking with her, I realized that she would be a great fit for our Reentry program. Kylea joined the program at our Conway Oak location, where she worked closely with Brooke Cockrum, her Re-entry specialist. Together, they com - pleted the full 16-week program. Once she completed the pro- gram, Kylea came to me with a goal in mind: to create a target - ed resume for a career as a recovery peer specialist and to find job opportunities in that field. After working together to refine her resume, Kylea applied for a position and received an offer within a couple of weeks—her dream job as a peer recovery specialist. Since starting her new role, Kylea has been thriving. She recently came to me and proudly shared her new business cards, excited to refer community members to her for support. It’s been inspiring to see her journey and how far she’s come. learn more at goodwillar.org/CAREER-SERVICES
need a remote option?
career services are also available through our online career portal.
click here
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