Goodwill Industries of Kentucky placed Kentuckians into more than 3,400 jobs this past year, a nearly 20 percent increase over 2014.
The increase can be partially attributed to the addition of job placement programming and related staff members in Western Kentucky; increased placements through Goodwill’s temp-to-hire agency, GTS Staffing; and more dedicated staff time to the walk-in friendly Job Connection program.
Goodwill’s program services team also cites an improved job market in some areas of Kentucky that contributed to the increase in placements over last year; people were placed in jobs with 694 employers statewide.
Donations to Goodwill stay in local communities and help people with disabilities or other barriers to employment across Kentucky. Revenue from Goodwill’s 64 retail locations, which provide jobs and hands-on training, enables the nonprofit organization to offer employment counseling, adult literacy programs, and assistance with job search, preparation, and placement.
“We are proud to play a role in connecting eager potential workers – many of whom have a disability or other barrier to finding and keeping a job – with opportunities to earn a paycheck,” said Amy Luttrell, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Kentucky. “Donations made to Goodwill stores help fund essential preparation and training programs that allow us to place Kentuckians with numerous employers across the state.”
As Kentuckians prepare for the holidays, now is an ideal time to make way for the new while giving back to the community. Donating to Goodwill also means a holiday gift to the donor in the form of a tax deduction for 2015, provided donations are dropped off on or before December 31.
Goodwill accepts a variety of donations, including gently used clothing, accessories, books, shoes, kitchenware, décor, and other household items, which are tax deductible. Receipts are available at the time of donation.
To find the nearest location, visit www.goodwillky.org.