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
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