Our Mission: Committed to serving people with disabilities and disadvantages by offering life-changing opportunities to achieve independence. | | |
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The Annual Homeless Service Day &
Veteran Stand-down
Goodwill SWFL joined many other Lee County non-profits on Saturday, January 28th, for the annual Homeless Service Day & Veteran Stand-down held at the City of Palms Park. This event offered a variety of services to individuals & families experiencing homelessness to help them get the resources they need.
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ESL for Goodwill Employees
Through Lee County Adult & Career Education, Goodwill SWFL employees are learning English as a Second Language (ESL) to help break barriers to advancement, and much more.
Goodwill is committed to having a lasting, positive impact on our community by extending our services and resources to our own employees. By identifying the barriers employees are facing and providing them with the resources and tools to overcome these obstacles, Goodwill is helping them have more opportunity.
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Goodwill employees taking their pre-test for ESL levels. | |
Introducing The Goodwill Opportunity Accelerator (OA) | |
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Goodwill has developed a new program called the Opportunity Accelerator (OA). The OA individualizes the delivery of digital skills, job placement, and career training services to each job seeker. This brings much-needed opportunity to those without access to formal career training, and offers a holistic approach to providing services. Some may come in looking for work, but (through OA) other needs are discovered, and then can be addressed. This enables job seekers to not only get a job, but to keep a job; and ultimately, to get a better job through improving employability. We create a plan for you to reach your goals by providing a step-by-step path for you to follow.
To sign up to be part of the OA program, contact a Goodwill Career Navigator in your area. Visit www.Goodwillswfl.org for a list of CRC locations through Southwest Florida.
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"Share the Love with PTO" inaugural TopGolf Tournament | |
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Thanks to our many supporters, the first ever "Share the Love with PTO" TopGolf Tournament was a success. Our Pathways to Opportunity (PTO) program raised nearly $4,000 through the one-day event. Three of our PTO participants golfed in the event to add to the excitement of the day.
PTO is a full-day life skills development program for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. This program helps each participant work on goals to maximize their ability to be more independent. PTO raises funds throughout the year to help enhance the opportunities they are able to provide to the participants, like additional community outings, class supplies, and sponsored visits.
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Employability Workshop in partnership with Dress for Success
Our Lehigh Goodwill Community Resource Center and Dress for Success partnered to host an Employability Workshop. 12 people participated, including 2 walk-ins. Now, these job seekers are prepared for their interviews and future jobs.
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VITA - Free Tax Filing
The IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.
Goodwill SWFL has staff trained to provide VITA services, offering free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:
- People who generally make $66,000 or less in 2022
- Persons with disabilities; and
- Limited English-speaking taxpayers
Call (239) 433-3900 to make an appointment in Lee County.
Call (941) 421-7100 in Charlotte County.
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LIHEAP Application Assistance
Goodwill is helping Lee County residents apply for assistance with past due utility bills through LIHEAP.
Goodwill staff is taking appointments every other Thursday at the Opportunity Center at 5100 Tice Street in Fort Myers.
Call (239) 634-9601 to make an appointment. You will need to know what documents to bring with you.
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10 Years Supporting Pine Manor
"Please join me in congratulating Shari on her 10 YEAR WORK ANNIVERSARY with Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida! Shari is one of Neighborhood Outreach Specialist and Community Resource Coordinator in Pine Manor Improvement Center where she continues to do a fantastic job of supporting the Pine Manor community residents. Thank you Shari for all that you do and the people you serve." - Sandra Plazas, Director of Community Education
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Celebrating 10 Years
"Please join me in congratulating Sandra Plazas on her 10th Work Anniversary here at Goodwill! Sandra is our Director of Community Education. She oversees our MicroEnterprise Program, and two of your Neighborhood Outreach Centers. Congratulations Sandra! Thank you for all you do." - Carolyn Johnson, Sr. VP of Mission & Development
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MicroGrant Recipient
Chris Carroll recently graduated from our virtual MicroEnterprise class in 2022. He is launching his business, Steps in Recovery - which is a home based business that provides support services to blind individuals in SWFL. Chris was among the 10 graduates who received a grant in 2022 through a partnership with MicroGrants Minneapolis.
For more information about the MicroEnterprise program, contact Sandra Plazas at (239) 995-2106 Ext. 2304, or email sandraplazas@goodwillswfl.org.
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New Naples Park Goodwill Opened February 8th | You won't want to miss visiting our newest addition to our Southwest Florida Goodwill shopping opportunities. Our new Naples Park Goodwill just opened on Wednesday, February 8th at 10455 Tamiami Trail North. Stop by and check it out! | |
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Upcoming
VIP PERK SPECIAL SALE
| VIP Perk members can get an extra sale in February. Enjoy 50% off all donated on Saturday, Feb 18th at Goodwill retail stores in Southwest Florida. | |
VIP Perk members get 25% off all donated at the blue boutiques on Saturday, Feb 18th. Enjoy your special VIP Perk. | (*excludes fine art and new goods). | |
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President's Day Sale
Monday, February 20th!
Take 50% off all donated at Goodwill retail stores to celebrate President's Day!
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From left to right: Kathy J. (bus tour guide), Josh Paesano (Goodwill store Manager); Debra Donatto (Goodwill SWFL Director of Communications), Rachel Stanborough (Goodwill SWFL Events Coordinator). | |
Mystery Bus Tour Visits our Plantation Goodwill
We welcomed the Mystery Bus Tour of Happy Thrifters to our Plantation Goodwill store off Daniels in Fort Myers. The 50+ shoppers got treated to cookies and prizes, and got some great buys with their Goodwill finds.
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Naples Goodwill Job Fair - February 20th
Come out to the Heritage Bay Goodwill located at 8915 Sage Ave., Naples, on Monday, February 20th from 10am - 1pm for an onsite hiring event. Full and part time positions available. Join our team. Goodwill offers benefits, an Employee Assistance Program and opportunities for training and advancement.
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Last Chance to enroll in the
Cape Coral Small Business Classes
Feb 27 - April 6
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Class size is limited, so call today to reserve a seat (239) 995-2106 Ext. 2304 | |
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Naples Small Business Class
March 13 - April 30
Next Naples small business class begins 3/13 at the Collier County Library.
Learn from industry experts how to bbest launch your small business idea.
Call today to reserve your seat (239) 995-2106 Ext 2304. Class size is limited.
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Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc. l (239) 995-2106 l email l website
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Don't forget to leave a review on Facebook or Google if you've visited one of our locations recently. | |
Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc. Has recieved a Platinum rating by GuideStar Charity Navigatior https://www.guidestar.org/profile/59-6196141. Our charitable contributions/solicitation registration # is CH1930. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OF FL. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. PLEASE VISIT www.800helpfla.com FOR OFFICIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
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