December 18, 2020 — Goodwill of the Heartland announced a significant donation of $10,000,000 from writer and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott today as part of a generous gift presented to 384 organizations across the nation. This is the largest single gift to Goodwill of the Heartland in its 55-year history. The investment comes at a time when more than 10 million Americans are unemployed and urgently need help finding their next jobs. This gift will enable Goodwill of the Heartland to expand and deliver its mission in the 19 counties that it serves to equip individuals with the skills they need to get back to work and onto sustainable career paths.
Goodwill of the Heartland is dedicated to closing the skills gap and eliminating the associated challenges created by inequities. This generous gift will be used to help those who need it the most, including people of color, low-wage workers, workers with low educational attainment, people with disabilities, veterans and people impacted by the criminal justice system, among others.
“We are uniquely positioned to lead the way in ensuring that every individual, regardless of challenges and backgrounds, has access to the skills and services they need to face today’s economic situation,” said Pat Airy, President and CEO of Goodwill of the Heartland. “We are humbled, honored and extremely grateful for MacKenzie Scott’s transformative contribution, which will address the growing need for skills training for job seekers and help them move onto sustainable career paths. It is validation of the important work that we do at this critical time when thousands of individuals in the communities that we serve are struggling to find jobs.”
Goodwill’s mission-based model is proven. Goodwill of the Heartland provides a breadth of services that range from job readiness, skills training — including digital skills, certifications and credentials — and employment placement and support services.
Learn how you can join in to support and partner with Goodwill to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive at www.goodwillheartland.org
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About Goodwill of the Heartland
The mission of Goodwill of the Heartland is to advance the social and economic well-being of people who experience barriers to independence. Goodwill offers life and job skill development, work experience, job placement assistance, day habilitation, supported community living, workforce services to employers and contract manufacturing, assembly and packaging. In 2019, Goodwill provided more than 20,000 services to people with barriers in its 19-county service area and helped over 700 individuals find employment. For more information, please visit www.goodwillheartland.org or call toll free 1-866-466-7881.