Goodwill Industries of Northwest NC

There’s just one week left to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)! Since Hurricane Helene, we’ve worked diligently to assist people in applying for the federal DUA program, but the December 2 deadline is now one week away. DUA is a crucial need as North Carolinians continue to pick up the pieces in the months and even years to come, which is why we want to give everyone who qualifies an opportunity to apply. Please visit your local Goodwill Community Hub before Monday, December 2 and a Goodwill team member will be happy to help you apply. To find a Goodwill Community Hub near you, visit https://lnkd.in/e_dVtRiv.

Goodwill’s Heritage Award recognizes individuals who have made a significant, long-lasting contribution to the success of Goodwill and its mission. This prestigious award is our highest honor, and it has only been awarded to six individuals in our history. We were proud to present our seventh Heritage Award to Linda Wood at our Annual Recognition Banquet, held Thursday, Nov. 14. Hear from Linda's friends, family, and colleagues to learn more about Linda's impact on our community. https://lnkd.in/gdcfi_3i

Goodwill's Achiever of the Year is an individual who faced significant barriers to employment and, with the help of Goodwill's career services, has attained employment within the Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina organization. The 2024 Achiever of the Year is Synthia Wilson, a career connections specialist at the Elkin Career Connections Center in Wilkes County. We were proud to present the Achiever of the Year to Synthia at our Annual Recognition Banquet, held Thursday, Nov. 14. This is Synthia's story. https://lnkd.in/enpniSBk

Each year, we present the Graduate of the Year award to a career services participant who has overcome significant personal challenges and attained employment in the community. The 2024 Graduate of the Year is Lori Cole. We were proud to present the Graduate of the Year to Lori at our Annual Recognition Banquet, held Thursday, Nov. 14. This is Lori's story.

Last night, we had a blast celebrating the people who bring the best out of our Goodwill community. Our mission would not be possible without their hard work and dedication to our community. Congratulations to all of our award winners! The good we do is because of you. ?? Award winners in order of appearance: Synthia Willson - Achiever of the Year Angel Boone - Employee Recognition Award Alex George - Employee Recognition Award Wendy Martin - Employee Recognition Award Wendy Steele - Employee Recognition Award Linda Wood - Heritage Award Julia Toone, Executive Director at GreeNest - Community Impact Award Not pictured: Nick Bunker - Employee Recognition Award Lori Cole - Graduate of the Year

After Madeleine met Project Re-entry Specialist Holli Descher last March, she hit the ground running with her job search. In addition to a justice-involved background, Madeleine faced challenges with childcare and transportation, all of which made it tough to find a job. Madeleine visited the Wilkes Career Center to work with Holli creating a resume that highlighted her skills and education. She did not miss a meeting or check-in with Holli, reflecting how determined she was to make changes in her life. Soon she had not just one, but two promising job offers. Deep Reflection in Wilkesboro saw Madeleine’s worth and gave her the opportunity to grow with them. After only a few months in her position, Madeleine was promoted to manage her own accounts. Her increased hours have allowed her to better manage childcare and transportation to work. She’s completed college courses in accounting, business, and management classes, and is looking forward to continuing her education. Madeleine has even become a valuable partner with the Wilkes Career Center when Deep Reflection has needed to recruit employees. Holli says, “Madeleine is a prime example that if you do not give up and put the work in, you can bounce back and become successful in both your personal and professional life.”

Happy World Kindness Day! ???? A smile can go a long way to spread kindness. What's your favorite way to spread kindness in your community?

Happy Veterans Day! ? Serving in our country's armed forces shouldn't become a barrier to employment, but many veterans face that reality, making adjusting to civilian life more difficult. Goodwill's Veterans Services Program offers holistic services to enhance the lives of veterans and their families at no cost to them. ? If you or someone you know could use our Veterans Services, visit https://lnkd.in/eunWGgtj.

We've been supporting relief efforts in western North Carolina, and now you can help, too! Now, through the end of November,?you can help support Goodwill’s effort to give store vouchers to families who need to replace clothing and household items lost in Hurricane Helene. The next time you check out at your local Goodwill, just round up your purchase to the nearest dollar. One hundred percent of round-up proceeds will go to Goodwill’s relief efforts. Together, we can help families in our region recover. To learn more, visit https://lnkd.in/e_dVtRiv.?

Our newest Goodwill Community Hub is now serving McDowell County! McDowell County residents can now visit the Goodwill Community Hub at 100 Spaulding Drive, Marion, to access valuable resources. This community hub, and the three others that already opened in western North Carolina, will make several resources available in one convenient location, including: - Filing for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) - Applying or re-applying for FEMA benefits - Goodwill Good Neighbor vouchers that can be used at any Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina store - Accessing other crucial support services To learn more about where you can receive services from Goodwill, visit https://lnkd.in/eFsTir6y.