Transforming Lives through the Power of Work

David Lopresti described a number of ways that Goodwill Industries is helping people, giving people a chance to work and through that work engaging effectively with society. Goodwill Industries offers a variety of business services including:

• e-waste pick-up and recycling
• Facility management – landscaping, facility & food
• Assembly + fulfillment – eg) 1,500 soccer balls inflated & shipped
• Secure Document Shredding – AAA & NAID Certified
• Document Imaging – Saving time, money and space

The Rotary Club was very interested in how Goodwill recruits for the team to support the variety of business functions they offer?  David indicated that they recruit from many of the same sources other business do, in addition they offer employment to persons with disabilities and persons reentering society from incarceration and various dependencies.

Compensation is determined by evaluating the skill set and the employment position an individual works in.  While Goodwill Industries is nationwide, local stores are franchised within a smaller territory.   The San Gabriel Valley, Riverside County territory is rather large at 31,000 square miles.

Asked about donations, David noted that donations are split between usuable items that move directly to the Stores, usable recycling and trash.  David noted that income generated from the stores is taxable, while other parts of the organization operate as a 501c3 non-profits.

David stayed to answer questions and provide detailed brochures on each of the various business lines.