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.

White House Compassion in Action Meeting Focuses on Support for Veterans

July 23, 2008

Washington, DC – The White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives hosted a policy roundtable on July 22 to discuss the vital role faith- and community-based organizations play in helping U.S. veterans and their families. Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International^®, highlighted some of the programs local Goodwill^® agencies have in place to help veterans with disabilities find work in their communities.

“Since the end of World War I, Goodwill has helped our veterans find and keep good jobs when they return home,” Gibbons said. “After the sacrifices they have made, they deserve nothing less than the dignity and independence of supporting themselves and their families.”

In 2007 alone, Goodwill agencies in 21 states served nearly 8,000 veterans from the Vietnam and Gulf wars, as well as those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. They offer client evaluation, skills training, and long-term case management. Goodwill career counselors match participating veterans with employers in the community and, once they have been hired, also provide support and retention services to ensure their success at work.

In addition to Gibbons, attending the meeting were James B. Peake, U.S. Secretary for Veterans Affairs, and representatives from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Department of Labor, Catholic Charities and several other foundations and local organizations.

View the "Helping Veterans Get Back to Work" video, produced by Goodwill Industries International.

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