OVERVIEW

Network of 184 independent, community-based organizations in the U.S., Canada, and 14 other countries.

Provides job training and employment services, job placement opportunities and post-employment support.

Strengthens communities and families by training people to become independent, tax-paying members of society.

2007 HIGHLIGHTS

1.1 million people benefited from Goodwill career services.

140,056 people placed in competitive jobs – that’s every 53 seconds of every business day.

$3.2 billion total revenue.

84 percent of revenues funded employment programs and support services.

2,200+ retail stores and an online auction site, www.shopgoodwill.com.

65 million donors.

Partnerships in 10 Countries Serve the ‘Greater World Community’

Durham, NC, Goodwill Garners 2008 Global Outreach Award

June 30, 2008

Rockville, MD – Dennis McLain, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries® of Eastern North Carolina (Durham), believes that conditions in the developing world introduce more difficulties for people with disabilities trying to enter the workforce than exist in the U.S. To reduce those obstacles and serve the “greater world community,” his Goodwill has teamed up with faith-based and other non-governmental organizations in 10 different countries. These efforts are being honored with the 2008 Global Outreach
Award from Goodwill Industries International^®.

The Durham Goodwill® has budgeted more than $650,000 in direct support for 14 international programs in 2008. All funding is derived from Goodwill retail store revenue. The diverse partnerships include a microenterprise program for women with AIDS in South Africa, a banana farm in Zambia and a recycling program in Malaysia.

“The world becomes a much smaller place when we spread Goodwill’s mission to our global neighbors,” says Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “Because of the efforts of Goodwill Industries of Eastern North Carolina, people with disabilities around the world are discovering the power of work in their lives.”

McLain says the most important step in global outreach is to listen to international partners and let them set their goals and priorities, rather than imposing U.S. or Western values. Local partners are essential to developing programs that respect local operating environments and cultures.

Goodwill Industries of Eastern North Carolina also offers free, online computer, technology and life skills training in English and Spanish to help adults acquire the skills they need to improve the quality of their lives. Individuals and organizations around the world can utilize the service 24 hours a day, seven days a week at www.GCFLearnFree.org.

The purpose of the Global Outreach Award is to recognize, reward and share best practices for carrying out the third strategy of the Goodwill Industries 21st Century Initiative: Develop mission-enhancing business opportunities around the world while respecting local operating environments and cultures.

For free broadcast-quality video, visit www.thenewsmarket.com/Goodwill .

Lauren Lawson
Manager, Media Relations (Media Calls Only)
Phone: (240) 333-5266
Cell:	(240) 388-8309

Charlene Sarmiento
Specialist, Media Relations (Media Calls Only)
Phone: (240) 333-5590
Cell:	(240) 620-7703