Goodwill Industries of Northern Arizona has become a standout nationwide. The Goodwill operation became the third ever to receive a $910,000 low-interest loan from Goodwill Industries International through funding from the Annie E. Casey, Kresge, and Ford Foundations, allowing them to accelerate expansion in one year, instead of over a three-year period.
This mission-integrated growth and expansion, planned for 2014, will include the opening of a 25,000 square foot Good Neighbor Center in Lake Havasu City that will include a store, donation center, and Job Connection along with the opening of three free-standing donation centers to be located in Flagstaff, Cottonwood, and a yet to be determined location and a combination Outlet and donation center in Kingman.
This growth and expansion will result in the creation of 40 new jobs and assist 850 northern Arizonans find jobs and begin earning paychecks through our workforce development programs and services. One such exciting initiative that this growth and expansion has allowed us to launch is the American Veterans & Their Families initiative. It focuses on providing services to accommodate veterans who have returned or will soon be returning home, and who face heightened risks of unemployment, personal problems, and homelessness.
As part of this initiative Goodwill Industries of Northern Arizona in collaboration with strategic partners serving veterans and their families, and businesses committed to hiring veterans, will provide job training, help re-entering the workforce, and access to community resources that address barriers to employment, disabilities, mental health needs, education, housing, and also help veterans navigate the wide array of resources available to those who have served our country.