1 person found this review helpful
Goodwill Industries of Central Arizona
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December 13, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
I have donated to Goodwill off and on for years. They are always very polite and actually make me feel as if my donation REALLY means something to them. I decided recently to look into a bit more about their mission, I knew the did something with putting people in jobs or to work, but wasn't sure exactly what that meant. I assumed it meant just within their stores, but was surprised and proud to find out how much more they do. When they say they "put people to work" that doesn't just mean in Goodwill. They have these job training centers where people can get resume and interview help. They even help people learn how to use a computer, to better train them for job opportunities. So not only are they employing people within their stores, those stores are helping them (by generating revenue) find people in the community jobs. They have a phrase about "not giving a hand out, but a hand up!" Pretty cool if you ask me. Well done Goodwill!!
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Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
April 27, 2012
A great organization that has a major positive impact on the community.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
1 person found this review helpful
January 30, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
Unfortunately this isn't a great review but rather a message to Goodwill Industries of Central Arizona. I have a few friends who work at a Scottsdale Rd store in Tempe AZ whom on a daily basis leave work feeling like they were just beaten with a baseball bat. I am a former employee who was fired for trying to stand up to "Bree" the production manager at the store who treats the production like a heard of sheep or cow being sent to slaughter. That isn't mmuch of an exaggeration! She constantly demeans the employees with no respect or concern for their feeling or moral. She has threatened employees with their jobs for situations that have no direct involvement required of her. She has violated store policies but the employees are afraid to speak up. I was terminated, with others to follow and a few have quit. This store was like a family until she made it a broken home of employment. I could point out specific example and will if needed but I don't want any of the workers still there to suffer from this complaint. I had made a previus unanimous complaint as though I were a Goodwill shopper upset with the treatment of the employees at this store and of my termination. Two employees whom I was friends with were then questioned as to whether they knew of the complaint and if they had even helped write it. Actions like that and the daily actions of the production manager named "Bree" should not be stood for as no employee at any place of work deserves or should be treated as immorally and unethically as we have been by "Bree". I hope to see her reprimanded for her actions, especially since her performance at the previous Goodwill stores she has worked at display a similar trend.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
No
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Some
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
December 4, 2011
I recently shopped at the Goodwill at the Scottsdale pavilions and was very disappointed in their prices, everything i picked up was waaaay overpriced even small miscl things! I wont go back to that specific store nor will I donate there anymore, I dont understand how they can charge someone a "new" price for something that is donated FREE to them!
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
No
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Some
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
September 30, 2011
Goodwill like most corporate entities has flaws. The one that stands out is the respect and recognition the employees receive from their direct supervisors. The Goodwill motto, "putting people to work" seems flawed as well. As a regular customer of the Scottsdale store on Weber and Scottsdale roads I recently have witnessed unfair treatment of the employees there by an assistant manager there. The demeaning and disrespectful attitude displayed by this woman towards her workers was uncalled for and has driven to refer my donations and purchases to a more people oriented second store. Most of the workers gain a special relationship with us regular customers and that is something management should appreciate rather than look down upon if the worker is temporarily taken from their production responsibilities. The nicest young man was recently terminated for standing up to the demeaning attitude he received from his production manager and have lost a regular long term customer as a result. Goodwill claims they are in business for people and our general good, this particular manager should be let go as well for her lack of commitment to the workers who make Goodwill what it once was. The overall direction this company is heading in it's retail division is one not so desired by people like me whom refrain from the average everyday retail shopping experience. I will miss the relationship I was once able to have with the Goodwill workers when they were 'permitted' to be happy and human. I will not shop where I am served by robotic like money driven corporate slaves. I encourage others to follow my lead as Goodwill can and will not continue to thrive without the support, donations and purchases of we the people.
July 30, 2011
Good will promotes helping people to succeed but they don't assist their own employees. I know someone who works at one of the stores and is on hard times. Lost their vehicle and job on the same day. She got hired on at Goodwill and when she asked if on a closing night to leave 10 minutes early to catch the last bus running the manager said "No, if I did it for you I would have to accommodate everyone else." It wasn't permanent, just until she got on her feet. Shame on you Goodwill of Arizona. Doesn't say a lot about what you promote to be. Another person losing their job because no one wants to assist with 10 minutes worth of time. They just lost a wonderful employee!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I also called a corporate office in Phoenix and was treated like crap by the person who answered the phone. She explained to me how it wasn't her fault I was upset and that I didn't need to be so rude. REALLY? Just horrible! I love shopping at Goodwill but with your high prices in this economy and how you treat employees, it's hard to want to help with the causes you promote.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Have a better way to communicate to someone higher up who will listen to what is really going on within your stores. It's the people who give that make a difference. If they are unhappy how can you ensure the public is getting what they need? Maybe a suggestion box at each store. Have a monthly meeting to discuss ways to make better changes.
July 22, 2010
I have always donated to Goodwill and even shop their stores - a lot. I love finding the great items at greatly reduced prices. And the best part is, all the revenue from the stores goes to fund a great mission. It's a win-win situation. I'm getting great things for my home without breaking the bank and I'm helping Goodwill educate and train people in our community. I tell my friends all the time to shop Goodwill. I love Goodwill!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Shopping their stores and donating. I didn't know they helped people find work and even learned they have a charter school. I saw information in their stores and then went online. Makes me feel better about donating and spending money at the stores.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
The smell sometimes does get to me and I tend to avoid the older stores and go to the newer ones.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The shopping! Okay, and finding out that my donations and money I spend in the stores are helping people.
Ways to make it better...
In some of the stores...if the smell could be eliminated.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
May 21, 2010
YOUR WEBSITE FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE LOOKING FOR EMPLOYMENT LEAVES MUCH TO BE DESIRED. I LOGGED ON TO JOBING.COM AND FOUND AN OPEN POSITION WITH YOUR ORGANIZATION. I CLICKED ON THE BUTTON TO APPLY BUT WAS TAKEN TO YOUR WEBSITE. YOUR INSTRUCTIONS STATE TO CLICK ON AS MANY AS FIVE POSITIONS SO I DID BUT THERE IS NO CONTINUE OR SUBMIT BUTTON SO I CAN NOT APPLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FAYE DYE TICKLE MA COUNSELOR EDUCATION BA ENGLISH FDTICKLE@GMAIL.COM
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
THIS ORGANIZATION'S WEBSITE NEEDS A LOT OF WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT IS NOT USER FRIENDLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
April 15, 2010
The Goodwill stores are getting very expensive... when a piece of furniture is broken and missing parts and they still want $49 for it.. that is ridiculous.. At some stores in Phoenix the prices are reasonable but at most of the stores the prices are at least double. of what they were a year ago .. it just takes all the fun out of it.. I don't mind having to take something home and fix it but really.. it's all priced for 1/2 price Saturday.. I would rather shop the church thirft stores. they have better prices and nicer stuff.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
1/2 price Saturday
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
helpful
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
February 6, 2010
This is a great organization! The stores are well maintained, service is good, and the staff members are always friendly. It's amazing what a person can find there, and it's just a great way to be responsible with resources. And even better, donating and shopping at Goodwill is helping others in the community! That's the best part!
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
..
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
..
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
..
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
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