That's the business plan of Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc. In the nonprofit world, it's called "social enterprise".
People often ask us why Goodwill is a nonprofit. In fact, a lot of folks think our stores are just places that sell used items to people who have low incomes. While we're happy we can provide affordable
goods, our stores do so much more.
When we sell those items, the money we raise goes towards the many programs and services we provide in our community. Programs like affordable housing, employment services for people with disabilities and disadvantages,
or small business training. Your donations and
purchases support those Goodwill programs.
So, just like a hospital auxiliary thrift store helps the community by supporting the hospital, a Goodwill store helps the community through all of those
services that Goodwill provides. When you shop at Goodwill, 90% of the money you spend goes directly towards our mission of helping people with disabilities and disadvantages
in Southwest Florida.
Our stores also serve as a training ground for many of our clients, who gain valuable work experience and job skills.
