Goodwill of Greater Detroit is synonymous with servicing the community through its stores. In fact, 92 cents of every dollar generated through sales goes to programs and services in the community.
President and CEO Dan Varner, and vice president of donated goods retail, Jeff Ukrainec, joined Live in the D to talk about a new store opening and how money generated at the store is making a difference.
Varner states there are three levels of positive community impact:
1. Workforce development programs in store. “For example, students with special needs in nearby school districts will be able to work in the stores and get work experience that they wouldn’t be able to get elsewhere,” Varner said.
2. Workforce development outside the store. For those with intellectual and developmental disabilities or living with mental illness, this helps them gain more independence.
3. Sustainability. “Items that are donated and purchased don’t end up in a landfill,” Varner said. “And Goodwill is part of global initiatives that are working to figure out how to recycle textiles.”
The newest Goodwill Store is located in Madison Heights and will open July 11.
To learn more about what Goodwill is doing in your community, click here.
For the full interview, click the video above.