Organization Mission

Goodwill is an autonomous nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to creating solutions to poverty through the businesses Goodwill operates in San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin Counties. With 16 retail stores, an online store and an extensive reuse/recycling operation, Goodwill helps people overcome barriers to employment, build sustainable livelihoods, and transform their lives and communities.

Focused on workforce creation and environmental stewardship, Goodwill Industries of San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin Counties was founded in 1916. Goodwill envisions a world free of poverty where people have the power to support themselves and their families, live in safe and thriving communities, and actively care for the environment.

Community Served

Individuals with barriers to employment. In the 2007-08 fiscal year, Goodwill served 1,728 people.

The overall client base is 49% African American, 12% Hispanic/Latino, 15% Asian/Pacific Islander, 13% Caucasian, 1% Native American, 9% other or unknown,; 42% ex-offenders; and 14% persons with disabilities.

Challenges

Developing placement leads
As a new program placing IT professionals for the first time, Goodwill must develop relationships with IT employers and educate the community about the program.
Placement in a strained Job Market
When many companies are cutting jobs, Goodwill is developing relationships to support new graduates as they vie with a competitive, unemployed workforce. When recruiting a new company for placements, staff discusses Goodwill’s mission and personalizes the challenges that many students have faced.
Recruitment
With a commitment to reaching difficult-to-serve populations, many clients have multiple barriers to employment and barriers to the classroom. The Admissions Specialist works endlessly to balance the commitment to opening opportunities to clients, while ensuring that clients can manage a rigorous 22-week technical training.

Sources of Funding for technology workforce programs

Contributed
Corporations, Foundations (Government, State), Individuals
Earned Income
Fees and other recycling and resale income

Accomplishments (Snapshots)