Learn more about Goodwill Arkansas's mission services and how we are transforming lives in our communities.
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mission magazine / volume 5 / summer 2026
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO MISSION SERVICES CREATE GENERATIONAL TRANSFORMATION
OUR MISSION CHANGING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT
programs. These milestones represent much more than com- pleting a program. They are a celebration of restored confi - dence and an opportunity for a brighter future. At Goodwill Arkansas, we often talk about generation- al transformation. When someone earns a diploma, gains a certification or secures meaningful employment, the impact reaches far beyond one individual. It changes families and demonstrates that with opportunity and determination, any- thing is possible. Every one of these success stories begins with a donation that fuels education, job training, career services and employ- ment opportunities for Arkansans in communities across our state. Thank you for partnering with Goodwill Arkansas and for helping us change lives through education, training and em- ployment. Together, we are building stronger communities and brighter futures for Arkansas.
Welcome to the summer edition of Mission Magazine , in which we highlight just a few of the ways Goodwill Arkansas is changing lives through education, training and employment across the state. As we close fiscal year 2026, I am filled with gratitude for what we have accomplished together. Over the past few months, we have celebrated remarkable milestones, but more importantly, we have celebrated the many lives that have been transformed. None of it would be possible without generous donors, community partners, loyal shoppers and Team Blue. The Excel Centers celebrated another record graduation, bringing our total to more than 400 adult graduates since opening our doors in 2017. We also celebrated a record 20 graduates at our Springdale campus, a testament to the growing need for educational opportunities across Arkansas. Our graduates remind us that earning a diploma is only the beginning. Many are continuing their education at colleges or trade schools, while others are entering the workforce with new skills, creating opportunities for higher wages. We also proudly celebrated graduates from our Goodwill Academies and Transitional Employment Opportunity (TEO)
Brian F. Marsh, President & CEO Goodwill Arkansas
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mission magazine / volume 5 / summer 2026
LEADERSHIP execUTIVE team
NEWS & NOTES
welcome our new vp Karen Stark has joined Goodwill Arkansas as Vice President of Re- tail and Donated Goods. Karen
goodwill arkansas launches bin partnership program with local schools
brings extensive experience leading re- tail operations, including stores, ware- houses, merchandising, marketing, loss prevention and field teams. Throughout her career, she has helped grow sales, strengthen operations, improve cus- tomer experience and develop strong leaders. Her expertise in process im- provement, training, accountability and donated goods operations will support Goodwill’s continued growth. Please join us in welcoming Karen to Team Blue as she begins connecting with teams across the state.
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
LOUIS ALDERMAN Vice President of Operations
LEN BLAYLOCK Vice President of Performance & Operational Excellence
KAREN STARK Vice President of Retail & Donated Goods
2026 goodwill week is “Made for good”
board of directors
Goodwill Week is an an- nual weeklong event that celebrates our team and highlights the power of work, community impact and local services. This year’s
Goodwill Arkansas recently launched a pilot school donation bin program in partnership with the Little Rock School District, LISA Academy, Magnet Cove School District, Glen Rose School District and the Hot Springs School District. The initiative makes it easy for families to donate gently used clothing, shoes and household items while directly benefiting students and families in participating schools through Goodwill gift cards. For every bin that is placed, $250 in Good - will gift cards is provided to help those in need within the schools. Every time a bin is filled, schools receive an additional $50 in gift cards. By connecting the power of donations with local school communities, this pilot creates a simple, meaningful way for Arkansans to give back while helping strengthen opportuni- ties for families both in the classroom and beyond.
theme, “Made for Good”, cele- brated the power of shop- ping secondhand, donating gently used items and sup- porting job training and career services across Arkansas.
Elizabeth Small Board Chair UA Little Rock College of Business
Jay Meador Vice Chair Medical Assets Holding Company
Carrie Harper Smith Secretary Sterling Seacrest Partners
Douglas Jackson Foundation Chair Merrill Lynch
Denise Luft Mission Chair Janet Jones Realty
Mike Poore Treasurer Education Partners
goodwill arkansas partners with U of A for denim day fashion show
Miguel Lopez Past Chair Southern Bancorp
Troy Wells Past Chair Baptist Health
Chris Amsler Arkansas Mailing Services
Jeff Byers Mainstream Technologies, Inc.
Matuschka Lindo Briggs Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Ted Darragh, III Darragh Company
Goodwill Arkansas proudly partnered with the University of Arkansas Denim Day Fashion Show for the third year, providing donated denim for student-designed looks celebrating survivorship and advocacy. The event used fashion and art as activism during Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month, while showcasing student creativity, collaboration and the impact of sustainability.
Danny Games Entergy
Fred M. Perkins, III Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP
Gary Stark Walton Personal Philanthropy Group
Jay Stanley Stone Ward
Brad Walker Catlett Law Firm
sign up to receive future issues of mission magazine email marketing@goodwillar.org
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mission magazine / volume 5 / summer 2026
SPOTLIGHT gala for good Gala for Good 2026: Deep Roots. Bold Spirits. Lasting Good.
Something different is taking root at Goodwill Arkansas’s third annual Gala for Good. Join us on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the North Little Rock Event Center at 6 p.m. for an unforgettable evening celebrating the impact of a mission that helps Arkansans build brighter futures. Presented by Bank OZK and co-chaired by Kevin and Leigh Ann Newton, Gala for Good 2026 invites guests to experience the heart of Arkansas while discovering Goodwill’s mission in a meaningful new way. From live bluegrass and whiskey tastings to a custom hat bar, silent auction and an immersive mission journey, every part of the evening is designed to connect guests with the work happening across our state. For nearly a century, Goodwill Arkansas has helped individuals overcome barriers, build new skills and move toward a more independent future. Gala for Good is a celebration of that legacy and a chance to help shape what comes next. Named AY Magazine’s 2025 Best Charity Event, this signature celebration brings together people who believe in the power of opportunity. Whether you join us as a guest, sponsor or vendor, your involvement helps support programs that provide education, training and employment opportunities for thousands of Arkansans. The next chapter of Goodwill Arkansas’s story is still being written, and we invite you to be part of what grows next. Join us for Gala for Good 2026 as we celebrate the impact of our mission and the opportunities that help Arkansans build brighter futures.
KEVIN & LEIGH ANN NEWTON / 2026 GALA FOR GOOD CO-CHAIRS
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mission magazine / volume 5 / summer 2026
SECOND CHANCES ARE CHANGING LIVES BUILDING FUTURES
Across Arkansas, communities came together to celebrate one of our favorite milestones of the year: Transitional Employment Opportunity (TEO) graduations. From Central Arkansas to Northwest Arkansas and beyond, graduates crossed the stage surrounded by family, friends, mentors and Team Blue, marking the successful completion of Goodwill Arkansas’s 16-week paid job training program. Each ceremony represented more than just a graduation. It celebrated the courage to embrace a second chance. Throughout the program, participants gain hands-on work experience, develop workplace and life skills, and receive the support needed to transition into long-term employment and greater independence. Every graduate’s journey is unique, but each shares one thing in common: a commitment to building a brighter future. These celebrations remind us that when individuals are given the opportunity to succeed, entire families and communities benefit. TEO PROGRAM welcomes NEW GRADUATES
For Laurie and Stormi, the journey through Goodwill Arkansas’s TEO program became more than a path to employment. It became an opportunity to rebuild their lives together. As mother and daughter, they each com- mitted to completing the program designed to help individuals returning to the workforce shared teo journey strengthens family bond
teo program helps kevin brown reach his full potential
When Kevin Brown first came to Goodwill Arkansas, he was looking for an opportunity to rebuild his life. Through our TEO program, he found more than a job. He found a community that believed in his potential. After successfully completing the 16- week paid job training program, Kevin joined Team Blue as a forklift operator, where he has become an invaluable member of our donated goods team. But his journey didn’t stop there. Determined to continue building a better future, Kevin enrolled at The Excel Center to earn the high school diploma he once believed was out of reach.
after incarcer- ation. Through hands-on work experience, job readiness training and the
LAURIE & STORMI VIDEO
KEVIN BROWN VIDEO
support of Team Blue, Laurie and Stormi gained the confidence and skills needed to begin a new chapter. Their story is a powerful reminder that second chances don’t just change one life. They can strengthen entire families.
Kevin’s story is a testament to the power of second chances and the opportunities made possible through Goodwill Arkansas’s mission. With the support of dedicated staff, meaningful employment and access to education, he continues to reach new milestones while inspiring those around him.
goodwill ARKANSAS celebrates national reentry month
Every April, Goodwill Arkansas proudly recognizes National Re- entry Month by celebrating the individuals rebuilding their lives through our TEO program. Designed for people reentering the workforce after incarceration, Goodwill Arkansas’s TEO program is a 16-week paid job training program that provides hands-on work experience, career readiness training and personalized support to help participants build a brighter future. Each graduate’s journey reflects the life-changing impact of being given a second chance. Through hard work and the support of our dedicated team, par- ticipants leave the program with valuable skills and a path toward long-term employment.
(501) 372-5100
teo@goodwillar.org
learn more at goodwillar.org/reentry
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mission magazine / volume 5 / summer 2026
THE EXCEL CENTER IS HELPING STUDENTS REACH NEW HEIGHTS ABOVE AND BEYOND
RECENT GRADUATIONS
GTEC welcomes two new directors
Congratulations to The Excel Centers in Little Rock and Springdale that held their summer com- mencements in June. Little Rock saw 57 gradu - ates walk and Springdale had 20 remarkable individuals cross the finish line to claim their hard-earned high school diplomas. LITTLE ROCK & NWA GRADUATION RECAP VIDEO
The Goodwill Training and Education Center (GTEC) is pleased to announce the appointment of two new leaders. Sharlee Crowson is our new director of GTEC Little Rock and comes to us with deep roots in Arkansas education and has a clear commitment
SHARLEE CROWSON
KERI LEDBETTER
to helping students maximize their potential. She has led statewide initiatives, built strong partnerships with educators and schools and understands how to turn complex programs into real results for com- munities. Keri Ledbetter is our new director of GTEC Springdale and has spent her career working at the intersection of education, nonprofit lead - ership and community impact. She has managed large, multi‑state initiatives and led teams and programs focused on expanding oppor- tunities for individuals and families. Both Sharlee and Keri share a genuine commitment to our mission and to the staff and students they serve. We are grateful to have them on the team and excited to see impact they will make.
goodwill arkansas hosts national conference
Phoenix already had a diploma when she came to The Excel Center. Howev- er, high school was a difficult chapter in her life that kept her constantly in meet Phoenix norris EXCEL CENTER GRADUATE
In May, Goodwill Arkan - sas was honored to host the 2026 National Excel Center Conference. Edu- cators, staff and leaders from across the country gathered in Little Rock to celebrate The Excel Center’s impact on local
survival mode. Though education had always been important to her, her grades did not reflect her skills. Over time, her situation improved. She found the people she now calls family, set new goals and found the motivation to achieve them. She dreamed of going to college, but her previous GPA did not meet the re- quirement for financial aid assistance. Soon after, she heard about The Excel Center, and the rest is history. An honor stu- dent, Phoenix now exceeds the GPA requirement for aid and will attend The University of Central Arkansas this fall to study linguistics and language. “We all have moments in our past we wish we could revisit as who we are today,” she said. “Excel gave me that chance. I am truly thankful for that.”
EXCEL CONFERENCE VIDEO
communities. The stories shared were a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to earn a high school diploma. Earning a high school diploma is more than an educational milestone. Adult education transforms lives and families, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the classroom.
little rock 7400 scott hamilton drive (501) 372-5100
springdale 2100 s. old missouri road (479) 595-8818
learn more at goodwilltec.org/excel
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mission magazine / volume 5 / summer 2026
BUILDING BRIGHTer FUTURES THROUGH ACADEMY PROGRAMS A LASTING IMPACT
CELEBRATING OUR ACADEMY GRADUATES
The Academy at Good- will proudly celebrated the achievements of our newest Academy graduates in both Central and Northwest Ar- kansas as they completed career training programs and prepared for the next chapter of their journeys.
CENTRAL ACADEMY GRADUATION RECAP VIDEO
Over the course of several weeks, these graduates gained valuable skills, overcame challenges and demonstrated re- markable determination while preparing for in-demand ca- reers. Their commitment and perseverance culminated in a milestone worth celebrating. In Northwest Arkansas, graduates achieved an impressive 100% pass rate on their certification exams, and many have already secured employment, putting their new skills to work in our local communities. These accomplishments would not have been possible with- out the encouragement of family and friends, the dedication of our instructors and staff, and the support of our employer partners. Together, they helped create opportunities that will have a lasting impact on the lives of our graduates. Congratulations to each member of our newest Academy graduating classes. We are proud of all they have accom- plished and look forward to seeing the bright futures they con- tinue to build.
Goodwill Arkansas Expands Workforce Training with $77,000 Grant Goodwill Arkansas received $77,000 in scholarship funding through the Caterpillar Foundation and Google’s Career Certificates initiative, creating new opportunities for Arkansans to gain in-demand skills and earn industry-recognized credentials. The funding will provide scholarships through Goodwill’s Training and Education Centers (GTEC), allowing participants to enroll in career-focused certificate programs in IT support, project management, data analytics and AI essentials. In addition to flexible online coursework, students receive personalized, in-person support to help them navigate enrollment, stay on track and successfully complete their training. This investment is especially meaningful for rural communities, where access to workforce training can be limited. By combining accessible online learning with local support, Goodwill Arkansas is helping more individuals prepare for high-demand careers and build brighter futures, no matter where they call home. about the academy’s certified clinical medical assistant (ccma) course Certified clinical medical assistants are vital members of health care teams, often serving as the first and last point of contact for patients. Students gain the clinical and administrative skills needed to thrive in medical offices, clinics and other health care settings. Training includes taking vital signs, assisting providers during exams and procedures, administering injections and medications under supervision, performing EKGs and phlebotomy, managing electronic health records and supporting front-office operations.
Upon successful completion, students earn their CCMA credential through the National Healthcareer Associa- tion (NHA), a nationally recognized certification that opens the door to rewarding career opportunities. Beyond technical training, every student receives Goodwill’s wraparound support services at no additional cost, including resume development, interview preparation, soft skills training and personalized job search and placement assistance from a career specialist.
little rock 7400 scott hamilton drive (501) 372-5100
springdale 2100 s. old missouri road (479) 595-8818
learn more at goodwillTEC.org/academy
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mission magazine / volume 5 / summer 2026
FINDING PURPOSE WITH GOODWILL’S CAREER SERVICES OPENING DOORS
Health equipment loan program removes barriers for arkansans
goodwill’s last mile to work program donates bicycles to providence park residents
For people caring for a loved one, access to essential medical equip- ment can make all the difference. Through Goodwill Arkansas’s Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP), Arkansans can borrow gently used medical equipment at no cost and keep it for as long as they need it. Made possible through donations, HELP provides wheelchairs, walk- ers, crutches, canes, shower chairs, commodes, lift equipment, ther- apy aids and many other essentials. Equipment is available on a first- come, first-served basis through Goodwill retail locations across the state, with teams working to locate and transfer items when they’re not available locally. This fiscal year, Goodwill Arkansas provided 2,720 pieces of health equipment to individuals and families throughout the state, helping re- move barriers and improve quality of life for thousands of Arkansans. books 4 kids empowers youth Goodwill Arkansas’s Books 4 Kids Program is a vital initiative aimed at bridging the literacy gap for children in low-income families. Under- standing that access to books at an early age is critical to a child’s cog- nitive development and academic success, the program works directly with Title I schools and other programs throughout the state to ensure that children who need it most are given the tools to succeed. over 20,000 books provided to arkansas youth in fy26
Goodwill Arkansas recently donated refur- bished bicycles to the first residents of Little Rock’s Providence Park. Through Goodwill’s Last Mile to Work program,
LAST MILE TO WORK PROVIDENCE PARK VIDEO
every tiny home built and furnished for individuals expe- riencing homelessness will now include a donated and re- paired bicycle, helping provide reliable transportation for daily needs. Access to transportation can be life-changing. From getting to work to running errands, these bicycles can be game changers for sustained employment. Goodwill has seen firsthand how dependable transportation can help individuals maintain employment and build stability, and we’re proud to extend that same support to our neighbors at Providence Park.
every donation opens a door: meet career navigator, josh coker
Sometimes all it takes to change a life is walking through the right door. For Josh, that door was Goodwill Arkansas. After years of liv- ing with a debilitating back injury, facing discrimination because of a past felony conviction and searching for a place where he could simply be seen for who he was, he found more than a job. He found purpose. Josh entered Goodwill through our Transitional Employment Op-
JOSH COKER VIDEO
portunity (TEO) program unsure of what the future held. What he discovered was a team that believed in his potential from day one. With encouragement and training, he advanced from the TEO program to a position in one of our retail stores. He later became a key holder and now serves as a career navigator, helping others overcome the same barriers he once faced. His lived experience allows him to connect with people in a way few can. Whether someone is facing poverty, incarcer- ation, disability or other challenges, Josh meets them with empathy instead of judgment and reminds them that a brighter future is possible. Stories like Josh’s are only possible because of generous donations that support our mission.
CAREERSERVICES @goodwillar.org
(501) 372-5100 EXT. 1216
learn more at goodwillar.org/CAREER-SERVICES
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