Page 85 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2023

GIVING BACK
story by Angi Noote photo courtesy of Goodwill of South Mississippi
Beneath the surface of the bustling aisles of bargain hunters at your local Goodwill store lies a profound mission that extends far beyond the realm of retail. Goodwill of South Mississippi is an organization with a dual identity – one
that embraces both the thrift store’s allure and a deeper commitment to transforming lives through meaningful employment.
What many people don’t realize is that Goodwill of South Mississippi provides – free of charge and available to the public – job skills training, employment, and supportive services for individuals with barriers to a sustainable career path. The revenue generated by sales in their stores funds those training and employment services.
“We believe that meaningful work is foundational to creating stronger families and communities,” noted Goodwill of South Mississippi Interim CEO Paige Derouen. “Our Goodwill exists to give a hand up to residents of the Gulf Coast who, for whatever reason, are having difficulty finding a sustainable career path. We strive to remove barriers to employment to empower people to fulfill their potential.”
The organization operates two career connections centers. One is located at the Orange Grove store at 12057 Highway 49, and the other is on the Jackson County campus of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.
At its core, Goodwill is not a charity; it’s a chance. The organization’s transformative impact is rooted in the belief that everyone, regardless of background or challenges, deserves the opportunity to build a life that includes a sustainable career path.
One of the cornerstones of Goodwill’s outreach is
its commitment to job skills training. Goodwill offers comprehensive training programs designed to equip participants with the tools they need to succeed in the workforce. These programs cover a range of industries, ensuring that individuals can find a pathway that aligns with their interests and abilities.
Perhaps one of the most powerful aspects of Goodwill’s SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net
approach is its recognition of the intrinsic value of work and the dignity that comes with earning a paycheck. By facilitating access to employment, Goodwill is not merely alleviating immediate financial struggles; it is instilling a sense of pride and purpose in the individuals it serves. This empowerment, in turn, ripples through families and communities, creating a positive cycle of self-sufficiency and resilience.
“When people engage with Goodwill of South Mississippi as donors, shoppers, clients, or employees, they are part
of a much bigger picture,” Derouen explained. “We keep usable items out of the landfill, offer affordable prices for shoppers, delivered career services and support to more than 5,000 people last year, and employ 220 Gulf Coast residents. We are proud to be a part of good things happening in the communities we serve.”
Goodwill of South Mississippi is a catalyst for change, a champion for those facing barriers to employment, and a driving force behind the creation of stronger, more resilient families and communities. The next time you donate or shop, remember that you are contributing to a mission that extends far beyond the checkout counter – a mission that turns every purchase into a chance for someone to build a brighter future.
Goodwill of South Mississippi
www.goodwillsms.org
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