Self-sufficiency through active retail marketing- 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 that 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, 86% of the money you spend directly goes to helping people in Southwest Florida through our mission of helping people with disabilities and disadvantages.
Our stores also serve as a training ground for many of our clients, who gain valuable work experience and job skills.
