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 4 / spring 2026
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO gratitude and excitement for the year to come
OUR MISSION CHANGING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT
Welcome to our latest edition of Mission Magazine, friends of Goodwill Arkansas! As we step into 2026, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement for the opportunities ahead. The past few months have been a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together when our donors, shoppers, part - ners and team members unite behind our mission. Since October, we’ve celebrated many successes across Arkansas. Our annual Gala for Good was a tremendous eve - ning, and I want to personally thank everyone who had a hand in making it such a meaningful and successful event. Congratulations to our award winners who are truly inspiring examples of how determination and opportunity can change lives. In December, we celebrated another class of graduates from The Excel Center®, and we couldn’t be prouder. Watch - ing adults earn their high school diplomas and seeing the generational transformation taking place is one of the great - est privileges of our work. We’ve now surpassed 350 gradu - ates since opening and are actively exploring opportunities to expand our reach to more communities across the state.
We’re also thrilled about the opening of our new Little Rock retail store in Chenal. This beautiful location is already pos - itively impacting our mission, and it wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our donors and the support of our shoppers. Every purchase and every donation helps change the lives of Arkansans. January brought more celebrations with Academy gradua - tions in Little Rock and Springdale. These graduates earned certifications in CCMA, pharmacy tech, welding and construc - tion—skills that lead to higher wages and sustainable careers. We also remain inspired by our Reentry Program graduates, whose hard work and commitment to second chances em - body the spirit of our mission. Thank you for standing with us in our mission to change lives through education, training and employment.
Brian F. Marsh, President & CEO Goodwill Industries of Arkansas, Inc.
2
3
goodwill arkansas
mission magazine / volume 4 / spring 2026
LEADERSHIP execUTIVE team
NEWS & NOTES
spreading the goodwill mission on katv
Chenal store grand opening and sip ‘n shop event
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
In early December, members of GIA’s mis - sion team were featured on KATV Chan - nel 7’s morning show. The purpose was to shine a spotlight on Goodwill’s mission and share how shopping and donating at Goodwill directly supports our life-chang - ing programs.
LOUIS ALDERMAN Vice President of Operations
LEN BLAYLOCK Vice President of Performance & Operational Excellence
AMANDA BROGDON Vice President of Education & Training
KATV Segment Video
board of directors
welcome our new vp Len Blaylock Vice President of Performance & Operational Excellence
Elizabeth Small Board Chair UA Little Rock College of Business
Jay Meador Vice Chair First Horizon Bank
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
On December 18, Goodwill Arkansas celebrated the grand opening of its new 20,000-square-foot flagship store and donation center at 620 Kirk Road in Little Rock. Community members and Team Blue gathered for a morning ribbon cutting, with President and CEO Brian Marsh sharing how the first new-build lo - cation will create up to 50 jobs while advancing Goodwill’s mission of changing lives through education, training and employment. Shoppers lined up early for giveaways, gift cards and photos with the Smiling G mascot, while the new on-site Mission Services Center highlighted expanded career and reentry support for Central Arkansas. The previous evening, the fun got underway with a festive Sip ‘n Shop soft- launch event, featuring seasonal fun, special guests and holiday shopping.
fy2025 annual report available now
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
want to learn more about the mission impact from goodwill last year? View or download our interactive 2025 annual report. click here
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
Chenal Opening Recap Video
Chenal Sip ‘n Shop Recap Video
sign up to receive future mission magazines email marketing@goodwillar.org
4
5
goodwill arkansas
mission magazine / volume 4 / spring 2026
SPOTLIGHT FOUNDATION
SAVE THE DATE 4TH ANNUAL GALA FOR GOOD OCTOBER 24, 2026
today is a good day to make a difference
Right now, someone in Arkansas is waiting for one person to believe in their next chance. To - day, that person can be you. Your gift fuels scholarships, job training and second chances for people rebuilding their lives. This is urgent work, and you can move it forward today. The demand for scholarships is outpacing the resources available. Your support is the differ - ence, fueling training, education, and stability for Arkansans. And because your gift stays 100% local, its impact reaches far beyond one life, strengthening our entire community. For generations, Goodwill has been the place where Arkansans turn when they need a second chance, a fresh start, or a path forward. But this work only continues when each new generation chooses to sustain it. Your financial and in-kind donations ensure that tomorrow’s families have the same lifeline of hope, training, and opportunity.
2025 gala for good a huge success Goodwill Arkansas held their third Gala for Good and it was an inspiring evening celebrating personal journeys, uplifting entertainment and the impact of Goodwill’s mission. We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, donors, community partners and dedicated Team Blue members who made the night possible. Your continued support fuels life-changing programs across Arkansas and helps build stronger families and communities. Thank you for changing a life.
6
7
goodwill arkansas
mission magazine / volume 4 / spring 2026
TEO PROGRAM GIVES PARTICIPANTS A SECOND CHANCE REBUILDING LIVES
1,000 Reasons to celebrate teo’s impact
The Transitional Employment Op - portunity (TEO) graduation on Decem - ber 16, 2025, in Springdale marked a powerful milestone for Goodwill Ar- kansas. With this ceremony, the TEO program officially reached 1,000 total graduates since the program’s original launch. TEO is a paid, 16-week pro - gram offered at locations throughout the state, providing individuals facing barriers to employment with hands-on work experience, life skills and career support as they prepare to transition into the workforce after a period of in - carceration. That number represents far more than a statistic—it reflects lives rebuilt, families reunited and individuals rediscovering confidence, purpose and independence. Each graduate’s journey shows the impact that opportunity and support can have on a person’s future. This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our participants and the commitment of Team Blue members across the state who make this life-changing work possible every day.
we have a <5% RECIDIVISM RATE compared to the state average of >49%
(501) 372-5100
teo@goodwillar.org
learn more at goodwillar.org/reentry
8
9
goodwill arkansas goodwill industries of arkansas
mission magazine / volume 4 / spring 2026
REMOVING BARRIERS TO SUCCESS AT the EXCEL CENTER MORE THAN A DIPLOMA
excel center december graduations
On December 12 in Little Rock and De - cember 16 in Springdale, The Excel Cen - ter® celebrated 44 adult graduates—36 in Little Rock and 8 in Springdale—each earning a state-certified high school di - ploma and opening the door to new op - portunity. Surrounded by proud families and supportive staff, graduates marked a milestone many once believed was out of reach. At The Excel Center, every student com - pletes more than coursework, they chart a future. Each graduate chooses one of four E’s: Employment, actively pursuing job op - portunities; Enlistment, committing to serve in the armed forces; Enrollment, continu - ing their education in college or advanced training; or Enrichment, strengthening their quality of life and creating greater stability for themselves and their families. With flexible schedules, free childcare, transportation assistance and personalized support, The Excel Center removes barri - ers that often stand between adults and a diploma. Since opening the doors in 2017, a total of 351 graduates have stepped for - ward with confidence proving that when opportunity meets determination, lives are truly changed through education, training and employment.
Little Rock Graduation Recap Video
NWA Graduation Recap Video
55% of the students who complete our program are first- generation high school graduates
little rock 7400 scott hamilton drive (501) 372-5100
springdale 2100 s. old missouri road (479) 595-8818
learn more at goodwilltec.org/excel
10
11
goodwill arkansas goodwill industries of arkansas
mission magazine / volume 4 / spring 2026
finding LONG-TERM stability THROUGH ACADEMY PROGRAMS FORWARD MOMENTUM
academy welding program GIVES STUDENTS NEW LIFE
Emmanuel came to welding with determination and a de - sire for a better future. Through hands-on training at The Academy, he developed the technical skills and confidence needed to pursue a stable, in-demand career. What began as an opportunity to learn a trade quickly became a turn - ing point in his life. With guidance from instructors and re -
al-world practice in the shop, Emmanuel dis - covered his strengths, built pride in his work and began planning for long-term success. Today, he is equipped with valu -
able welding skills and a clear path forward—one that al - lows him to support himself and create new opportunities for his future. Stories like Emmanuel’s reflect the power of job training and the impact of community support. Every donation and purchase helps fund programs that provide practical skills, renewed confidence and second chances for Arkansans ready to work toward a better life.
CONGRATS TO OUR NEWEST ACADEMY GRADUATES
Congratulations to the newest graduates of The Academy at Goodwill in Little Rock and Springdale. Students in Cer - tified Clinical Medical Assisting (CCMA), Pharmacy Technician, Welding and Construction have successfully completed their training and earned industry-recognized certifications and credentials. With these accomplishments, they are now prepared to pursue higher-paying, in-demand careers across Arkansas.
Each graduate’s journey reflects determination, perseverance and a commitment to building a better future. Through training, supportive instructors and career-focused curriculum, these students gained the practical skills and confidence needed to succeed in the workforce. Their achievements represent more than certificates—they mark new opportunities for stability, independence and long-term success. Stories like these are made possible through community support. Every donation and purchase at Goodwill stores helps fund education, training and employment programs that change lives. We are proud of these graduates and excited to see the impact they will make in their communities and chosen careers.
Our welding cohorts in both Little Rock and Springdale achieved a 100% certification pass rate—an outstanding accomplishment that reflects their skill and hard work.
we have a 100% pass rate
little rock 7400 scott hamilton drive (501) 372-5100
springdale 2100 s. old missouri road (479) 595-8818
learn more at goodwillTEC.org/academy
12
13
goodwill arkansas goodwill industries of arkansas
mission magazine / volume 4 / spring 2026
BUILD A PROMISING FUTURE WITH GOODWILL’S CAREER SERVICES A HELPING HAND
CAREER SERVICES SPOTLIGHT: JENNy PETERS
When Jenny Peters joined Goodwill in 2023 as a production associate, she simply “liked it.” She hung clothes, ran racks and learned every corner of the store. Determined to grow, she completed Career Pathways training and worked as a cashier and donation associate. “I worked my way through all the dif - ferent areas at the store.”
A promotion surprised her. “I would never think that I would get a stable job and stay there” she said. “It was a really big accomplishment for me.” Through Goodwill’s support, Jenny recent - ly completed her CCMA (Certified Clinical Medi - cal Assistant) certification through the Academy at
Hear from Jenny and Sr. VP & Chief Mission Officer Edie Stewart about the impact Goodwill is making in Arkansas on The Wellness Connection podcast.
Goodwill, and is now working toward earning her high school diploma at The Excel Center. She has also taken advantage of Goodwill Arkansas’s life-changing dental care through the Good Smiles program. “They gave me my confidence back.” “Goodwill built the foundation for my life.” Her next goal: complete high school and earn her diploma and pursue mor - tuary science.
BOOKS 4 KIDS PROGRAM PARTNERS WITH AR KIDS READ
HEALTH EQUIPMENT LOAN PROGRAM (help)
We’re grateful to AR Kids Read for partnering with Goodwill to host a meaningful Lunch & Learn at The Excel Center®! The event sparked important conversations about literacy, access and op -
Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP) provides free, gently used medical equipment to Arkansans in need—with no time limit to return items. Avail - able statewide on a first- come, first-served basis, HELP offers wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs, lift aids and more, thanks to generous community
portunity across Arkansas. At Goodwill, every donation and purchase fuels programs like The Excel Center, where adults earn a high school diploma with free tuition, childcare and flexible schedules—removing barriers to education, training
and employment. Support also powers our Books 4 Kids initiative, providing high-quality books to children in Title I schools state - wide. Halfway through our fiscal year, we’ve donated nearly 4,000 books. Together, we’re strengthening families and building brighter futures.
donations. Individuals in need can visit any of our Goodwill stores to check availability, or call 501- 372-5100 to learn more. Together, we’re enhanc - ing independence and mobility across Arkansas.
the help program provided 2,197 pieces of medical equipment to individuals in need during the fiscal year 2025
CAREERSERVICES @goodwillar.org
(501) 372-5100 EXT. 1216
learn more at goodwillar.org/CAREER-SERVICES
14
15
goodwill arkansas goodwill industries of arkansas
mission magazine / volume 4 / spring 2026
16 goodwill arkansas
Page 1 Page 2-3 Page 4-5 Page 6-7 Page 8-9 Page 10-11 Page 12-13 Page 14-15 Page 16Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator